We went on vacation a few weeks ago. Once a year, we return to Lake Winnepausaukee, New Hampshire for our annual family trek. It began when our children were small and it a tradition we continue to this day, with them now as adults and bringing their children.
For one week, we are right on the water, all in one house. It doesn’t matter if we even leave the property. Our goal is to be together, make memories and have fun.
Was it a perfect week? Well yes, and no.
But even with a few challenges from kids, and one person not feeling well for a few days, we still managed to have an imperfectly perfect week of vacation.
As I go back to look over my photos, I have wondered what to share. What does one say about a week held close to one’s heart?
I’m an early riser. It doesn’t matter where I am, those first hours of the morning are the minutes held dear. The first sunrise of the week held such promise. It brought the reminder of God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness of the Lord to our family.
And then there were the skies at night which spoke peace and safety as the sun set and darkness settled in.
The days were filled with swimming, introductions to paddle boarding, and kayaking. One kayak was quite tipsy, which no one believed to be true. But photos prove that it leaned this way and that until it dumped its riders into the water.
There was a scenic railroad ride which went by several times a day. Wherever we were, at the scheduled time, we headed out to the water by swimming, or on the swim platform, or kayaks and shouted and pumped so the conductor would toot his horn and all the visitors would wave and shout back at us. It was a family highlight that sounds so silly but was enjoyed by us all – young and old.
Then there was the one night we had rain and God blessed us with a rainbow, stretched from one end to the other …
But it was the early morning times which filled my soul deeply as I took in the beauty the Creator put before me each day. Each day a testament to His creativity which He blessed us with day.
Trying to think of how to summarize all this vacation conveyed to my soul is nearly impossible. But this Scripture and song pretty much say it all:
“On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:5-7, NASB)
This week I encourage you to visit these two posts:
- “The God Who makes the sun rise every day and Who has ordained that one season should follow another in unbroken rhythm has invited me into humdrum and repetitive tasks because, even in this, He is at work.”ΓΒ Read Michele Morin’s post, “There’s a Big Purpose Behind Every Small, Unseen Task” HERE.
- “As if embedded in their DNA, a daisy never fails in following the sun from sunrise to sunset, even on the cloudiest of days.” Read Donna Bucher’s post, “Embracing the Morning” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Train photos taken by my granddaughter, Sophia Coleman.
All others are my own.
Today I am joining …
What a lovely and refreshing time. And such a beautiful setting. Those verses from Psalms sound like the perfect expression of a full heart.
Even tonight my husband commented how perfect our vacation was. We truly had a terrific week!
I’m an early riser as well – don’t want to miss a moment of His new day!
There is something so special about the stillness of the morning, coffee & my Bible π
I enjoyed every word of this post, soaking in the vicarious experience of family chaos and closeness! I love the train story.
The train experience is something our family will be laughing and talking about for years. Even Eliza, our youngest, was yelling and running for the dock to get the conductor to toot. It vacations like these that make for the best memories.
Aw, Joanne … I’m so glad you shared all these lovely memories from your time away with your family. The tipsy kayak made me smile, and I love the early morning pictures. Hugs, friend.
No one was able to keep themselves in that one kayak. It was hysterical. Early mornings, laughing till my ribs seriously hurt, and being together made for the best week. And much needed fun!
Your photos are so beautiful, Joanne. It sounds like a glorious week. I would love to be able to do that with my family. That is such a valuable tradition to have in place.
Even tonight my husband and I were talking about planning for next year. I pray this is a tradition that always remains in place.
Joanne your ohotos say it all, serenity, peace, God’s majesty and goodness! How I rejoice with you in God’s gift of rest for you and your family!
I love Lake Winnepausaukee! My family has been there, my sister-in-law and her family live in Worcester, MA, and when we visit her, we always go to the lake!
My son works in Worcester – Assumption College. Small world. We love the lake and have been going since our children were small.
I understand so well what you meant when you said “imperfectly perfect.” That’s family and life, isn’t it! Thanks for hosting. π
Family life is the best way God works in my life and changes me π
Thanks, Joann, for inviting us along. Love the rainbow photo!
I am grateful you came along!
I’m rejoicing with you in your beautiful mornings with the Lord, and the “imperfectly perfect” time with your family. Our family totally relates to the train highlight – so fun! Thanks for sharing your sweet time with us!
The train was truly a vacation highlight. Glad your family can relate to the silliness, the fun, and the joy of making a memory.
As we were moving from Arlington, VA to San Diego, CA, we went north to Lake Winnepausaukee in 1961! Yes, decades ago yet it was over the July 4th week and the memories abound for me. Seeing your family there brought all up to and for me. Yes, much has changed since I was there but those memories have not! Thanks, Joanne.
Oh Linda, how wonderful to know you too, once enjoyed the very same lake. I am glad my memories brought your memories to mind π Blessings!
Glad you had a refreshing time!
Thank you! And I am glad as well π
I’m so happy to hear your family had a wonderful perfectly imperfect vacation. I can feel your heart throughout your post.
Visiting from #25
Thank you so much, Paula!
Such a lovely & special time together Joanne!
Thank you for sharing this with us Γ°ΕΈΛΕ
Blessings, Jennifer
So glad you stopped here today!
Beautiful pictures , thanks for sharing., I am glad you still have this family time each year. Family …a gift from God.
Thank you, dear friend! And yes, family is a gift from God. May God continue to keep His hand on all our families! {{hugs}}
Hi, Joanne.
Your photos are amazing. I can’t get over the rainbow! Thank you for sharing a bit of the beauty with us.
Have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Tammy
The photos are beautiful, Joanne. I’m glad you had a good trip.