Ah, vacation . . . (contented sigh) . . . that’s where we
are this week. Our son recently moved within half an hour of Virginia Beach,
VA, so we are blessed to be visiting family AND hopefully will get to wiggle our toes in the Atlantic ocean!
Like every other ocean-side town, Virginia Beach has its
share of souvenir shops. Racks overflow with tees, sweatshirts, and hats boasting the locale. Bracelets and necklaces dangling
tiny beach-themed trinkets, pretty rocks and pearly shells, and a myriad of mugs, water bottles, and other items for customers to buy on impulse (and then donate to thrift stores
and next year’s church flea markets), fill the shelves.
I rarely buy any souvenirs, but there are keepsakes I want
to be sure to take home with me to treasure later—the memories of moments spent
laughing over a board game with my granddaughter, savoring a delicious bite of seafood, strolling hand-in-hand with my
sweetheart, a long hug with my first-born, chit chatting with my
daughter-in-law over a cup of tea.
All of these mementos cost nothing but are invaluable to me.
Even if I fail to capture them in a snapshot, I can relish the snippets of time
spent with loved ones over and over. I consider them precious
gifts from God whose worth far exceeds any relic I might drag home in my
suitcase.
Praying you all find a few of these priceless souvenirs this
week, my friends!
Blessings!
©2017 Pamela D. Williams
