Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland

     “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? 

     You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

     Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” – Psalm 8:3-9

Sometimes life goes as expected.  You follow the plans you had for the day, and all is well and good.  However, on rare occasions, life can serendipitously interrupt you, can stop you in your tracks. It’s a magical moment when the world causes you to take a genuine pause. To breathe deeply and feel the reality and fleeting wonder inherent in this life.

Such was the case for me one Irish night. Amanda and I had spent a lovely day together wandering about western Ireland and were preparing to head home for the evening.  As we walked to the car the most gorgeous light began to break through the clouds, casting soft pink light over the ocean. If you’ve ever been to the ocean, you know it’s beautiful, vast, and at least a trifle frightening.

Looking out over the expanse of dark water I was reminded of just how great God is.  I was reminded of the awe that His creation stirs in my soul. The wind whipping about was strong enough to carry us to France, but it was worth an extended stop.  We had to take it in; to hold on to that moment as long as we could knowing that those are the memories that fuel our wanderlust. Those are the memories, and moments, that make a life.