Vacation Reflections

Cindi and I were blessed to get away for a week in Mexico with our dear friends the Van Ulfts and the Klingers. We soaked in the warmth, the sun, the shimmering Caribbean, the salt tang, the breathtaking flora and fauna. We played our favorite six handed pinochle often more than one game a day (though the stars were out of their courses as far as the winners were concerned). We slept more than we ever do at home. Due to COVID, the resort was only operating at 30% capacity, so there was never a need to rush to reserve a cabana on the beach or arrive early for a meal. Picture all the beauty with only a handful of people. Weather was astounding (and we even had one delightful afternoon of tropical deluge). We heard the cry of the peacocks (and since it was spring time, saw some of the males strutting their stuff!). And then there was the scream of the howler monkeys, the curious eye of the Tucan, the agoutis and coatis. The relaxing joy of “Mexican coffee” in the morning (made with milk that tastes very different from our milk), consumed in prodigious amounts. The “cheating” on our usual dietary regimen to our heart’s content with sweet drinks and even (gasp!) croissants. The laughter and the strolls along the beach, gathering shells (Cindi found some remarkable specimens this time). Most of all, just not “having” to do anything at all. And we six travel companions are oddly at one with each other: doesn’t matter how we end up pairing off. We all seem to enjoy each other’s company, and most blessed gift of all: are utterly at peace with someone lapsing off into silence. Never a problem. And singing our Sunday Matins upon the beach together? Priceless. No real trouble getting our COVID test to board the plane back home, and the resort has had ZERO positive tests since they began (and yes, they do a very invasive and thorough test...my poor nose!).

Thank You, dear Father, for the wonder and beauty of Your world! Thank You for the gift of fellow pilgrims along the way! Thank You for the thunder of the sea and the cheering light of the sun! Thank you for “the whiteness of the moon at even” and for “the whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks!” Thank you for the kind people we meet along the way, for the LOUD family from Colorado who were so filled with joy! For the gregarious Skip from St. Louis (originally). For Jaime and Daniels and Alejandro and all the kind folks who made the trip so enjoyable! Thank you for safe travel there and back again! Thank you for the respite that renews us for work and sends us back to it invigorated and refreshed! Thank you for the time with my dear wife and for her laughter and her beauty of body and spirit! Thank you, Lord, for all things!