Friday, April 23, 2010

~To the Sea....Just the Two Of Us~


There's a song by Steven Curtis Chapman called "Fingerprints", that goes:

"I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God."


God's fingerprints continue to show themselves throughout our lives. For Jim and I, we started out "just the two of us", and after raising two boys, it's "just the two of us" again.


Some people think this 'empty nesting' is sad. There are parts that are. But now, it's time for us again....just the way God had us start out. Here we are again like we were in the beginning.....full circle.


Today we head to our place at the ocean....no kids, no 'friends' of kids, no moms, no grandchildren. Will we miss them? You bet! We'll miss the sandcastles, the banana pancakes, eating chinese food around the coffee table, board games, piles of wet beach towels, little sandy toes and bottoms. Yes....we'll miss them. Will we still enjoy ourselves?? OH yeah!!



We've been taking these trips to the island for 18 years. And whenever we were about to cross the bridge to the island, we listened to Carly Simon's "Never Been Gone":


The wind is coming up strong and fast
And the moon is smiling on me
Miles from nowhere so small at last
In between the sky and the sea

I'm bound for the island
The tide is with me
I think I can make it before dawn
It's night on the ocean
I'm going home
And it feels like I've never
I've never been gone

Seagulls cry and the hills are green
And my friends are waiting for me
Great ambition is all a dream
Let me drown my pride in the sea -

I'm bound for the ocean
The tide is with me
I think I can make it by dawn
It's night on the ocean
I'm going home
And it feels like I've never
I've never been gone
Oh it feels like I've never
I've never been gone


And that is just the way it always feels: like we’ve never been gone.


After watching the sun rise and set over the ocean, long walks on the beach, lots of talking, bike rides, shopping, lots of fresh lobster and crab.....many margaritas and pina coladas later……just the two of us....we’ll be ready to ‘rejoin’ the hustle-bustle of life back home once again.


After leaving our island retreat, we’re headed to meet our new grand-daughter, who is due to arrive (via caesarean section) on April 29th. Talk about Fingerprints!! Life doesn’t get much better than this~


Have a beautiful week….wherever you are in this world~


Stop over to Beki’s blog to read more Fingerprints.




20 comments:

Mel said...

Safe journey! Hugs and love to just the two of you. ;)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

artsyclay said...

Lucky you! May your vacation be filled with many blessings.

Can't wait to see pictures of the new baby. ♥

Darlene said...

It sounds DEVINE....have a WONDERFUL time on your vacation at the island.♥

Anonymous said...

You and Jim will indeed treasure every moment together. Go safely, and ENJOY, dear ones!
Love,
Kathi

Jody said...

Beautiful fingerprint! Congrats on the new coming grandbaby!

rentz said...

While I love my kids more than I can imagine, I still look forward to the day when it will be "just the two of us." Sounds wonderful! Have a super time.

Rosebud Collection said...

Looks like a nice time..Glad you are enjoying yourselves..Pictures are beautiful.
Happy Fingerprint Friday.

Vicki said...

What a lovely fingerprint post! Hope your trip is filled with many of God's little blessings for the two of you. Congratulations on your newest little fingerprint! Beautiful photographs!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Carol, These photos are absolutely spectacular! You and God make a great team :-) Have a wonderful time with your husband at the beach! It sounds just perfect! Love you! Janine XO

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

It's so sad that some people can't enjoy the moment like you can. Have a great time.

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

*swoon*

I'm jealous! :)
I'd love to be at a beach right now. God bless you!

imelda said...

life is short, enjoy it to the fullest

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Some people don't quite get this enjoying the place that your at thing to they Carol? I know "empty nesters" that are caught up in the trauma of the children leaving home instead of relishing the new life that unfolds before you.

Suldog said...

Your photos? The one of the feet lends an ethereal quality to them; nice.

Kat said...

This post makes me cry. Seriously. It is just beautiful. Just as it should be.

:)

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Hi Carol,
Thanks for stopping by last week and for your kind words.
Have a wonderful time with the hubby! Sounds like heaven. : )
And the story about your DIL helping you since she was in H.S. was so endearing. I'm glad you shared it.
Take care,
Mary Lou

littlebird said...

Something so calming about the sea. Hope the wee one arrives safe and sound on the 29th.

DeeDee said...

Oh I can so relate!
We are empty-nester also. And yes, we miss them - and YES, we are enjoying time with each other in a new way.
And BTW... i LOVE the beach!
Good to visit with you.
I came over from Lynette's blog
Sweet Blessings,
DeeDee

Cole Franke said...

have a wonderful vacation! you have a lovely blog. :)
nicole visiting from
http://lettersfromcoco.blogspot.com/

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Missing you! Hope you are having the time of your lives! Love, Janine XO