Aunt Marion's Winter Reflection

You know, I've always loved the winter months here at the Sandcastle Inn. There's something special about sitting near the window with a warm cup of mint tea, watching the seagulls wander along the snowy beach.

But I'll be honest with you--after a few big snowstorms, enough is enough. I start longing for those warm summer days.

Of course, summer at the inn is a whole different story. Every room is full, guests come and go all day, and sand somehow finds its way across my freshly cleaned floors. Then there are the little things. The toilet on the second floor is stopped up. The coffee machine isn't working. A basket of crabs was dumped over in the kitchen, and three children are screaming and jumping around. At the end of the day, I can hardly catch my breath. By the way, ever tried corralling 20 feisty crabs on a slick tile floor?

And if I'm being honest, those busy days can make it harder to spend time with the Lord.

Maybe you know exactly what I mean. You wake up with every intention of focusing on Jesus, but then life starts knocking. And before you know it, the day has slipped by in a wild series of mishaps and mistakes.

But sitting here today, watching the snow drift across the dunes, I'm reminded that quiet seasons are more of a blessing than I thought. The inn is still. The world outside is hushed. And there's time to simply sit and enjoy the Lord's presence.

So if life feels busy right now, take heart. God understands. And if you're in a quiet season, enjoy it. It may be His way of giving you a little extra time with Him.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll sit here a while longer and enjoy this peaceful moment with the Lord.

Because peace and quiet never last very long at the Sandcastle Inn. Before I know it, Sandi will be off chasing another mystery--and around here, you never know when a body or two might turn up.

Aunt Marion