what a world

What a beautiful world we get to live in!!

Do you ever just stop and think about that? With the hustle and bustle, set routines that keep our heads down, or different priorities in each season of life, sometimes we can forget to look up, get away, or stop to acknowledge the gift of living in a world with such a beautiful and intentional design.

For the last few years, we have had our focus on building, prioritizing, and giving - building a foundation for the future, prioritizing careers and stability, and giving time and money for the people in our life. With all those factors and being such a homebody, travel has not really been on my radar at all.

BUT, man oh man, I did not realize how revitalizing travel could be until this summer trip to Turks & Caicos. How uplifting and refreshing it is to get a change of scenery and routine, slow down, experience God's incredible creation, get inspired by a new place, and truly take it all in!

Not only was this trip uplifting but also eye-opening!

Seeing and experiencing a new culture outside of the US has me reflecting on the pros of our nation (i.e. we are so fortunate, we have it all, efficiency, organization, ease of access to so many things, freedom, opportunities, etc.) but also the cons (i.e. constant fast pace, obsessive need for efficiency, entitlement, seeing magic as mundane, always having somewhere to be, needing rest from a life we created, etc.). It really has me considering where I can make changes and where I can be immensely more grateful in my own life.

It also was such an eye-opening time of reflection on life goals and what I am currently prioritizing. I was reminded of how much I love the beach, and I realized the need to reorganize my priorities to make sure my feet hit some sand way more frequently. I came alive as I sat on the patio in the early morning looking out over the ocean with the breeze blowing around me, the salt in my hair, the weightlessness of floating in the sea, island fashion, after beach day dinner outfits, and listening to the sound of the waves with nothing on my calendar. We are already planning our next trip!

Beautiful things tally in Turks:

1. Looking out over the vast ocean

2. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore

3. Lounging on a chair under the shade of an umbrella

4. The smell of sunscreen as you prepare for a day on the beach

5. Watching boats bob along on their different journeys

6. The sun warming and coloring your skin

7. The white, powdery sand under your feet

8. A morning moment of reflection, prayer, and scripture on the patio

9. Exploring the island with its little shops and restaurants

10. Post beach shower

11. Putting on a fun dinner outfit and thinking about the fresh seafood you're about to enjoy

12. Meeting beautiful, kind, and joyful people that you get to share a moment in time with

13. Experiencing a new culture at a local spot

14. Swimsuit on, no makeup, and salty waves in your hair

15. A vacation closet full of fun, festive fits

Like, life is really beautiful and the Creator of the universe did not spare any expense when He made the beauty that we get to experience. Look for it in your daily life and take it all in when you get to experience a new, magical place.

xx,

AJ