Waves of Mercy

One of the advantages of an empty nest is the freedom to go places and do things as a couple that we could not do when our kids were at home.  Tom and I have both done trips away from home when the girls were young, but we were not together. So with that said, I love that since our kids are grown we can go on mission trips, vacations etc.  One trip we have had the privilege to do is the college beach retreat now for the 3rd time.  It's awesome when we can do this ministry and share these God moments together.

For those who are not familiar with this trip from our church, our college pastor Tom York usually tries to plan a beach weekend getaway for the college students pretty much right after school gets out and before they start their jobs for the summer.  It's suppose to give them a chance to relax, get to know other college kids, and have a time of spiritual renewal.  We play games, we compete, study scripture, sing, laugh, eat, and eat, get sunburned, and sleep. ( Well some of us do). Did I mention we eat?  There has not been a time on these trips where I have not been encouraged in my walk with God.  He speaks to my heart through the worship, bible teaching, and the students.  This time our study was Jonah and the (Hesed) love and mercy of God.  I was shown in a deeper way than ever before of how God's love and mercy is unending like the ocean.  Most of our services are on the beach and it's incredible.  On Saturday morning we were standing on the beach and singing the song. Mercy.  The bridge of the song says:
                                             Mercy, mercy, as endless as the sea. 
                                I'll sing Your hallelujah for all eternity.
As we were singing, I was looking out at the ocean and realizing how big God is and how unending His love and mercy truly are.  It was a moment that I will remember forever. It was a glimpse of God's never ending love.  All the teaching also reminded me that God is so much more forgiving and loving than I can wrap my mind around.  I hope all of you reading this have experienced this love.  If not come talk to me.  I will share even more about it with you.

Needless to say.  I had a wonderful time at the beach.  The weather was great and the spirit of God was with us.

            Mercy, mercy, as endless as the sea. 
                                I'll sing Your hallelujah for all eternity.