Thursday, July 18, 2019

Rest for the Writer




For those who follow the liturgical readings of the Church, today’s scripture -- Matthew 11:28-30 -- provided inspiration for this blog post.



On July 5, I submitted my current work in progress, Dangerous Amish Inheritance, to my editor and headed to Florida the next day for a family beach vacation. This year, we stayed at Crystal Beach, on the outskirts of Destin, Florida, where the water is sparkling clear and the white sand is silky soft. I have three adult children and four adorable grandchildren so we need a large condo with a pool. Because the beach is our happy place, my husband and I always rent waterfront accommodations for the family that provide spectacular views from sunup to sunset.



The adults rise early and enjoy coffee on the balcony. Some days we see dolphin frolicking in the waves and dark patches of fish swimming in large, undulating schools. Pelicans and seagulls fly overhead, then dive into the water for their morning meal. From our lofty perch, we watch fishing vessels with huge nets and private chartered boats head out to sea while fisherman on the shore cast their lines, hoping for a good catch.

Once the children are up and fed, we don our suits and sunscreen and head to the beach with chairs and umbrellas and inner tubes and floats to spend the day enjoying the sun, sand and water.

Destin Lifeguards trained each morning in front of our condo.
Notice them on their rescue boards.

If you were following the news last week, you heard about Tropical Storm Barry that blew into the Gulf. By Wednesday afternoon, the waves were rough and eventually strong enough to force us out of the water. We scurried to the pool but kept watch on the rising surf and encroaching storms.

Thursday morning, the beaches were closed and double red flags alerted beachgoers to stay out of the water. The pool provided lots of fun for the little ones in between intermittent rain showers. When inclement weather moved us indoors, we played cards and board games. Being together made the week special in spite of the storms.


At week’s end, we packed our cars for the long trip home and said goodbye to the beach with hopes of returning next year. The vacation provided wonderful family time but also offered a relaxing getaway that refreshed and renewed all of us. 

Water uplifts me spiritually. I feel even more deeply connected to the Lord when I’m at the beach as I bask in the awesome glory of His creation. He is an amazing God!

How do you “find rest for yourself,” as mentioned in Matthew? Sometimes extended getaways don’t work into busy schedules, yet we still need peaceful moments of renewal. What are the ways you regroup in spite of full calendars and hectic lives?

Wishing you abundant blessings this summer along with moments of refreshment and renewal,
Debby Giusti

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15 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post, Debby. Rest for the writer is so very important. I'm so happy that you were able to spend such an enjoyable time with your family. Beach time is the best time. My brother in law just moved to Florida so we're planning a visit very soon. The Destin area is lovely. Looking forward to seeing you in NYC at RWA. Blessings.

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    Replies
    1. Can't wait to see you, Belle! Hope you enjoy a Florida vacation soon! :)

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  2. Debby, your chosen Scripture for today held special meaning for me in my current circumstances--thank you! A beach getaway isn't looking like a possibility anytime soon, but it was lovely to join you vicariously through your photos and descriptions. What a wonderful time with family!

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    1. I love today's scripture. The Lord provides the rest we need, if we lean on Him!

      You're a busy lady with your recent move and family visits. Enjoy your new home!

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  3. Sounds wonderful, and what a nice thing to do for your family. I love to travel as well. But no matter where I am, there is always something to do when you have kids. Relaxing comes in spurts, but I do my best to grab some moments.

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    1. Being with the grandchildren is always a joy. Yes, we play hard at the beach! They have so much energy, but I'm right there with them, acting like a ten year old! :)

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  4. Beautiful photos, Debby. I can certainly see finding rest there. I've been to Pensacola Beach several times and loved it. For me, finding rest is going to the mountains. There's just something about staring at their majesty that makes me feel God's presence.

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    Replies
    1. Pensacola Beach is lovely. My hubby and I stopped there on the way home from a New Orleans event for a few days of R&R and great seafood!

      The mountains are beautiful and restful, but my happy place always includes water...preferably salt water. :)

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  5. Loved your beach pictures, Debby, thanks for sharing your fun and family. Makes me want to pack up right now and go, but a deadline is looming. So next to relaxing on the beach, my deck is filled with planters of flowers, and I love to take my coffee/tea out there and sit, watch the birds and squirrels play and write or read.

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    Replies
    1. Marie, your deck sounds delightful! Surrounding ourselves with beauty is always a blessing. Happy writing! Praying your book writes itself...now wouldn't that be nice!

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  6. Thanks for sharing your lovely beach photos, Debby. I'm at the beach now, but the northern version in Maine. My favorite part is being able to walk the dog on the beach early each morning and again at dusk. It was so beautiful with the full moon over the waves the other night. Looking forward to seeing you next week.

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  7. Cate, you get lobster in Maine! YUM! I had lots of shrimp and crab.

    See you soon. Can't wait! Expect hugs!

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  8. Debby, the Florida beaches are definitely one of my favorite places to vacation and relax. No other entertainment needed! The mountains are my second favorite. I love hiking and absorbing God's amazing creativity in the land and animals. I am so excited to see you next week!

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    Replies
    1. Just a few more days until the RWA Conference!!! See you in NYC!

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  9. Your post makes me long for the beach. I regroup with a hot bath, drives in the country and long walks.

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