Tangy air sparkled over the waves and crisped the atmosphere with a savory hint of relaxation.

Shifting the basket from one arm to the other, Dalene pushed back her straw hat and gazed at the ocean before her. How pretty it was on a sunny afternoon like this!

And how she would miss its welcoming rhythm of water splintering into thousands of liquid diamonds against the craggy rocks of the coastline.

How she would miss …well, this place of memory.

Had it only been a week?

How much could be accomplished in a matter of days!

How much could be learned, understood and accepted in a matter of hours.

Placing the basket onto a low rock, Dalene reached out to pat Vanilla’s head. The dog had been a faithful companion since she was born and while his name didn’t suit his looks, it certainly suited the flavor of his personality. Simple, sweet and loyal.

“Well, Vanilla. Looks like we will have a lovely afternoon of rest.” Dalene found a comfortable place to sit and pulled out her Bible and a journal from the basket.

Opening the journal, Dalene marked the day: September 15th.

Vanilla got up and started to sniff among the rocks. Warm breezes played hide and seek with the flowers and delicate grasses. The sunshine made Dalene feel as though a comforting blanket was wrapped around her.

Picking up her pen, she began to write.

Write to the One Who loved her and knew her better than anyone else.

Her Creator.

“Father, You know that I’m sorry to leave here. In fact, I’m scared. I’m excited about what you have shown me while I’ve been here. You’re calling me to create art that points to You. You’re helping me to see that art can truly have meaning. But Father, I’m scared of what’s ahead. I know that going home after this vacation will mean facing hard things. Scaling mountains. Facing giants. Fighting enemies. Life isn’t easy.”

Opening her Bible, Dalene prayed in her heart. “Father, please encourage me from Your Word.”

Deciding to look in the Psalms, Dalene paused over Psalm 83 and then moved to Psalm 84. As she read, her heart found great encouragement.

She was doing the right thing …spending time with God. And He had a promise for her …

“For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.” Psalm 84:10-12