I’ve walked this same stretch of sandy beach over 30 years now. …36 to be exact. My husband and I spent our honeymoon here 36 hears ago and have followed that up many years as our children were added to the family circle.

It’s like a second home for me in some ways. We’ve learned where get good seafood, which condo unit to request based on the layout and decor and amenities, and the usual routine of food shopping options nearby. Walks on the beach, sitting pool-side or circling up our beach chairs on the sand near the ocean’s waves become the anticipated daily activity.

Over the years I’ve probably taken hundreds of pictures of the exact same view of the ocean …the ripples created in the sand by the wind and the flow of water in and out … clusters of seashells about a mile or so down the beach –beautiful, but sometimes painful to walk on …waves rolling in — foaming and frothing into white sudsy tops as they push their way from the ocean’s vast cup to the shore …shells and rocks in the shape of a heart — not made by human hands.

I love every bit of this and every time we come, I try to capture the beauty and wonder through pictures.

On my usual morning walk today, I began to ponder ever so slightly why I continue to take pictures here …hundreds that look very much the same for the most part. Even in one week’s trip, I’ll often snap similar views from day to day.

And then I realized what the moment was trying to tell me…

I was experiencing beauty and wonder and glory today. Yesterday had beauty and wonder and glory as well but today was today and it needed to be celebrated in its own way. Today is a new day …not yesterday …not tomorrow. Today has its own special moments, views, revelations, and mystery. Tears. Laughter. Uncertainties. Strength. Anxieties. Courage.

And much like a child in a large family often needs special one-on-one attention, today is uniquely designed and deserves recognition as a beautiful day in the family of 365 days.

If you look closely, each day will show off something of awe and wonder that our Creator orchestrated just for today …just for you. Documenting these moments through pictures, words or video give attention to the day. New mercies. Fresh starts. Life-giving potential. Nothing is lost or wasted. Everything becomes sacred …captured in space and time. Moments made holy through eyes who can see.

My mind traveled to a phrase God shared with us thousands of years ago …

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

While the message of this verse reminds us that life is short and God’s wisdom and help is needed to make the most of every day, it seemed this truth naturally flowed into thoughts of documenting the days. Maybe documenting our days reminds us to number them. Look for God’s glory. Notice everything. Find the sacred in spaces before you — whether the sandy beaches or the city sidewalks.

“We were created to walk in fellowship with God, discovering the mysteries and delights He has scattered throughout creation the way a parent scatters Easter eggs for a toddler. The Lord enjoys partnering with us as we pursue all He designed for us to accomplish (Psalm 37:23; Ephesians 2:10). When we live in harmony with Him, death is simply a change of address. Our enjoyment of Him continues unabated when we step from this life into eternity.”

( excerpt from www.gotquestions.org )

May today remind you of God’s breathtaking beauty in creation and every breath He breathes of new mercies over you. May the wonder never be lost on your path today. May the roar of the waves or the roar of small children give you moments to pause and celebrate today. There’s no other day quite like it.

And may the glory of the Lord dawn on you today …

Photos taken at New Smyrna Beach, Florida