An Undisclosed Location 2008

We are at an undisclosed location somewhere along the southern Eastern half of the United States. It is undisclosed because I have been overcome by a complete and self-centered desire that no one find about this amazing gem of a beach (except our friends who likely already know where we are). As I walked along the massively wide, flat, soft, white sand beach last night I was struck by how close to perfection this place is. The water is a perfect temperature; the waves are of a perfect height – intimidating but gentle. The beach extends out into the ocean at a perfectly gentle slope with no drop-offs and therefore no hydraulics so common and dangerous at the ocean. The temperature has been in the perfect mid-80’s, the breeze steady, the air crystal clear, the beach sparsely populated with families. I realized that when I dream about going to the beach, this is what I picture and every place else is disappointing. The beach is massive with huge stretches completely uninhabited as wildlife sanctuaries. The populated areas are all residential (except for one or two tiny hotels by the one lane bridge that gets across to the island).

The house we rented is directly on the beach with two a story great room that is little more than 3 walls of windows. We don’t even need to step out of the air conditioning to feel like we are on the beach. It is a beautiful place. For the first time in many, many years of vacationing, it is simply our family. We have loved vacationing with other folks over the years but after walking through what we consider to be the hardest year of our life (thus far), it is very restorative just to be together as a family. Morning we are taking turns leading a family devotion, the days are spent swimming and reading, and the evenings are spent on long beach walks or watching movies.

Some folks would not enjoy this place and the selfish side of me is glad. The sparseness of the island, the lack of any activities or boardwalks or carnivals or even restaurants would be a real strike against this place. That is what makes it so perfect for us. It is quiet and peaceful. Little happens but waves, and wind and pelicans and turtles and dune foxes and moonlight and breezes and sailboats and crabs scampering and families strolling. We are all overwhelmed at God’s kindness to us. The lavish, peaceful place we are enjoying right now something countless people will never experience. We don’t take it lightly and began the week talking about the parable of the talents. This week, this house and this undisclosed island are something we have been entrusted with and we are eager to be able to look back and see what eternally significant and fruitful things we did with this trip.















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