Hooray, the Sun’s Out!
I can still hear that gleeful cheer coming from my favorite toddler who I cared for shortly after college. He had come into the bedroom prompting us to play at 5 am. ‘Honey, its dark outside, we don’t get up until the sun does ‘I told him.
It seemed like only moments later when I heard; ‘Hooray, the sun’s out ‘as he ran into our room to remind me of the rule. I still abide by that rule to the degree possible, though there are days I am forced to break it.
I saw this sentiment in action recently when we went for our sunset walk on the beach on a Wednesday.
The beach was buzzing; Frisbees were flying, families frolicking and swarms of swimmers riding waves in the surf. It looked more like noon on a Saturday than late in the day midweek. What is up with this, I wondered? And then it dawned on me: We have endured intermittent downpours over for the past two days and the sun is finally out, just in time to go down in glorious splendor.
It was like being at a family reunion, people talking to people, playing with pets and sharing stories, loving and living in the moment. We talked to lots of tourists, many from northern states. They have grown to appreciate our beaches and many share fond memories of vacationing here with their families for generations.
Folks are friendly here, residents and visitors alike. It’s a happy place, where people are grateful to bask in the beauty of God’s creation. It’s an attitude, and a lifestyle that many easily embrace for a week at a time, and some scheme to savor year round. I see their surprise when I say I live on the island full time, and I give thanks daily for the opportunity to do so. Others remind me how very blessed I am, and they bless me with their interest, enthusiasm and appreciation for our sacred space. While word seems to be out, even many regular visitors have decided not to tell others about what used to be our best kept secret.
It happened again today, after three more days of sideways showers; we walked to the beach at sunset and it looked more like a Sunday. People were everywhere, soaking in the sun and savoring the last few moments of daylight.
We have had our share of rain this summer, for sure. And I have grown to appreciate the diversion, which makes for an even grander celebration when the sun finally does come out. And thank heavens, it always does. Like the mountains and the streams, the peaks and valleys in life, the contrast makes me appreciate both even more. Hooray, the suns out, (even when you can’t see it).
