Strike Three...You're Not Out!

After piling in the car on a hot, Saturday afternoon, determined to have a fun and free afternoon, our family headed to the state park.  Anticipating the fresh, soothing smell of salt water combined with the attempt of skipping a few rocks over the beautiful Puget Sound water, smiles decorated each face. 

A curve here and a curve there, through the tall evergreens of the northwest (which always tempts me to bellow out, "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we'd go...") we traveled to our destination.

The excitement grew thick in our car the closer and closer we got...finally arriving only to find a blow to our plans.  To park a car, a $10 pass must be attained.  So much for our free entertainment.

Strike one.

An exit followed by whines and whimpers led us to a ride through the countryside.  (Once again, the bellowing temptation surfaced yet I still overcame it...my children would thank me, if they only knew!)  Plan B: enjoy the sights and sounds of the local Farmer's Market.  After pulling out our family's best friend, Gracie (our GPS), she led us out of the country and back to the city.  Upon arriving and parking, we soon found out we arrived 15 minutes late...all the cinnamon rolls and flowers, soaps and fine meats, herbs and crafts were being packed away as we walked up to the market.

Strike two.

No worries, another great idea surfaced!  "Let's go see the boats!"  Just walking distance away, sailboats of every kind docked for the evening.  This particular dock has become a family favorite.  Yet, once again, our plans squashed right before our very eyes.  The unanticipated, frustrating sign loomed ahead of us, "Closed for private party."

Strike three.

So we headed home.

Disheveled.  Disappointed.  Down right frustrated.  Back home without a single plan coming into reality.  A "Woe is me!" attitude thickened the atmosphere.  The protests began, "But we didn't get to do anything!"..."I don't wanna go home!"..."I wanted to see the water!"

How many times we get knocked over in our days because our plans just don't work out the way we had hoped.  I find that usually the small things do the most damage in my heart.  But God has a gentle way of reminding of the simples things...

A family made of three absolutely precious children and the most loving husband ever!
A home, as dated as it is, to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summers.
The opportunity to see my children learn and grow daily, right before my very eyes.
Living in a state drenched in beauty all around.

And the list goes on and on and on.

And then I remember...I am so blessed! 

How has God blessed your day?