Unhappy in my Happy Place? Not for Long!

We just returned from my lovely place…my refreshing place … my longed for place …. my happy place — the beach/ the Jersey Shore/ Long Beach Island and Belmar, NJ.

And we went this year for the epitome of reasons — to celebrate John’s and my 50th wedding anniversary and to have a family reunion of sorts with our kids, grandkids, my siblings and families (aunts, uncles, and cousins to our kids), my 95 y.o. godmother-aunt and my cousin.

And it was much anticipated and planned for over the course of the previous year.

But for me, it began with struggle and stress and hidden tears …. until the Lord met me very early one morning, thankfully at the beginning of the week.

I was walking on the deserted but glorious beach at sunrise (5:30 am) and the Lord gave me my word …

RELEASE! Release it all to ME, Jan

So there in those early morning hours, when only the seagulls and a fisherman or two are stirring, I heard the “Lover of my sad soul” speak the truth that set me free for the rest of the week.

Lord, I release it all to YOU — all my expectations and the expectations of others (real and imagined). Live, love, serve, relate, and celebrate in and through me today and everyday.

And so I trusted the Lord to unfold the week according to HIS plan and purpose.
My soul was set free to relate and enjoy and even initiate at His direction.

Thank you, O Amazing Lord of heaven, earth, sky, and sea … and FAMILIES.

What about you, my friend?
Is there something you need to release to the Lover of YOUR sad soul?
He loves you and will set you free also.

The Loyd / Filson Family

The Loyd / Filson Family

BABCI (ME) with her grands — Claire, William, Carter, Kaden, Evan, Eli

BABCI (ME) with her grands — Claire, William, Carter, Kaden, Evan, Eli

With our 95 year old “Cioci” (Polish for Aunt)

With our 95 year old “Cioci” (Polish for Aunt)

WITH MY COUSIN PEGGY, SISTER NANCY, AND BROTHER TOMMY

WITH MY COUSIN PEGGY, SISTER NANCY, AND BROTHER TOMMY

With my brother Conrad, sister Nancy, & brother Paul

With my brother Conrad, sister Nancy, & brother Paul

WITH MY BROTHER BILLY

WITH MY BROTHER BILLY

MY CIOCI (GODMOTHER-AUNT) AND COUSIN PEGGY

MY CIOCI (GODMOTHER-AUNT) AND COUSIN PEGGY