Beyond the obvious

joy  (joi)

n.

1.

a. Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness.

b. The expression or manifestation of such feeling.

2. A source or an object of pleasure or satisfaction: their only child, their pride and joy.

v. joyed, joy·ing, joys

v.intr.

To take great pleasure; rejoice.

v.tr. Archaic

1. To fill with ecstatic happiness, pleasure, or satisfaction.

2. To enjoy.

Some go to escape the heat of the city, while others go for the swimming. Kids generally enjoy the sand play, creating masterful castles or sculptures. Some go in search  of a tan while others go swim in the ocean. Some people like to wade, others like to run and splash. The feel of the sand between thier toes is the draw for some. Others go to get away from their worries for a few hours, embracing the serenity the sea offers. Some bring a pole along and do a little fishing. Many say it's very relaxing, and love listening to the waves pound the shore. Some love the experience of floating on the water, and others go simply to take in the natural beauty.  For some, they go to collect souvenirs - shells, sea glass or driftwood perhaps.  Water sports if the reason many love the beach.  Whether it's volleyball, boating, kite flying, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, surfing, or Frisbee. Seems there's a sport for everyone when you're close to or in the water.  Many valid, yet varying reasons, but the common thread is that the beach brings joy.


For me, it's a mixture of many of the above. Yesterday however,  this was the source of my joy:

I sat for what seems liked hours, but in reality was no more than one half-hour. Thirty minutes or so watching my husband and two small boys sitting in the very warm creek at mid-tide. Long after all the other boats had returned to their home ports, or continued on their journeys. Long after all the other beach goers had packed up and left. My guys talked and laughed quietly among themselves, kicked, splashed, floated, or just plain sat, enjoying each other's company.  


Yup, joy.


How blessed I am. How thankful I am for this simply joy - the joy of family.