“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)
It’s About the People
A week ago today I was sitting on the beach, under my umbrella, watching my young grandsons play in the surf. For over twenty years we’ve journeyed to the same peaceful shore each summer. We weren’t sure we’d get to go in 2020, being what it is, but we were blessed to make it down. As you might guess, it wasn’t the same as years past, with masks, distancing, disinfecting and the like; but we still had a wonderful time.
“Come follow me”, Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:17 (NIV)
While there, I had a small revelation. My daughter was worried that she wouldn’t get to have her favorite seafood dishes from the restaurants we usually visit. Once there, she quickly went online to see who was offering carry out while adamantly stating that you can’t go to the beach without having fresh fish and shrimp! The boys on the other hand could care less about eating fish, they were all about catching fish. Some people focus on collecting shells; others, getting a tan. But I realized while sitting under the above mentioned umbrella, that for me, my yearly pilgrimage to the beach has always been about the people!
For many years we traveled caravan style from West Virginia to North Carolina with 12 or more of our closest friends. The ocean is my happy place! I do love seafood and finding shells, but it has been the time spent talking about nothing and also having deep, meaningful conversations that were highlights of my trip. I looked forward to laughter at the game table, songs sung together, and posing for way too many photos with one another. Friendships were bonded when we’ve grieved with the ones grieving and were anxious with the ones anxiously awaiting news. And now, sharing this place with my grandchildren is such a gift! Yes, for me at the beach, it’s about the people and each time we pack up and pull away, I say goodbye to the ocean but carry lifelong memories home with me in my heart.
I’ve pondered this idea (as you know I do) and it’s occurred to me that not just my vacation but my everyday life should be about the people, too and of course, there’s no better example of living for people than the one Jesus sets for us!
“During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.’ ” Mark 8:1-3 (NIV)
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:34 (NIV)
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. Jesus wept.” John 11:33-35 (NIV)
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ ” Luke 18:16 (NIV)
In these snapshots of His life, we see Jesus engaged in interactions similar to those I experience during my beach vacations: food, deep conversations, grieving with friends, and time spent with children. Jesus was a people person. But what I’m beginning to understand is that for Jesus, it wasn’t about life long memories, but rather, about life eternal. Each encounter Jesus had, ultimately pointed others to God. For Him, it was, and is, always about people’s salvation. And the truth is, whether standing on the shore of the ocean or in the grocery line at the store, that’s how we should always be about people, too.
“Then He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;” Mark 16:15-16a (GNT)
Writing this post to the http://www.fiveminutefriday.com prompt “People”. Click over to read more. As always I appreciate you taking your time to read my wandering thoughts and my pondering. What do you look most forward to on vacation? Let me know in the comments!
I wish it would take a pandemic, or some other crisis, to make so many of us begin to realize the importance of time spent with people. Humans, not screens. It is more valuable than we ever realize, until it is too late.
Thanks for a sensitive post and great reminder. Glad you had your time at the beach this year.
It’s my prayer too Suzette that more of us are realizing the importance of our people! As a teacher I’d begun to see the effects of this crazy media driven society on children. I hope we make some changes for the better! Thank you for taking your time to stop in!
I love this…we don’t get to go to the beach much but when we do I love watching the sunrise and people too. It’s my happy place. I feel so connected to God and its refreshing to be recharged. Thank you for this reminder.
I feel more connected to God at the beach too. And my soul always feels refreshed. I am not a morning person so I don’t encounter the sunrise but I do love the sunset! Now to keep the peaceful feelings found at the beach when we return home! I appreciate you stopping in, Becky.
I love your writing. It speaks peace over me whenever I read your stories. I’m glad you were able to enjoy your family even though the world has gone covid crazy. Blessings and hope to you and your loved ones, Cindy.
Oh Jane, what a blessing your words are to me! If you only knew…..I’m thankful I didn’t let fear keep me from going this year (it almost did). God is teaching me A LOT of lessons! Thank you again! God bless you!
I might be tearing up just a bit (and not just because I was having the worst hair day ever in that photo!). Precious times those were. Thank you for finding such a beautiful message in the memories and for inviting me to be a part of yours. I’ve always labeled those first three years of accompanying you to Oak Island as the summers of healing, of hope, and of happy. (And then Lucas arrived, and we shifted to harried!) Love you, my friend!
Now, I might be tearing up a bit. Those were precious times with precious people. They were full of healing, hope, and happiness for me, too. Thank you for these sweet words! Love you too!
PS we both know that ocean breeze was not a friend to our hairdos!😂