Becca and Daniel laughed. “You sleepy today, Anne?” Becky asked.

“Girl! Every. Dang. Day. It’s my baseline.” I shook my head, embarrassed. They laughed again. I wiped my mouth, rubbed my eyes and thanked them for the yoga class as they packed up and left.

I stayed put on my towel in the middle of the beach, cross legged, leaning back on my hands. The sun, continuing it’s descent, warmed my face. I silently watched the kids as they dug and scraped and patted the sand into shapes. They were each engrossed in their own activities.

I had the perfect vantage point. Children in the foreground bent over their task. Little muscles working diligently. Hair blowing in the gentle breeze. Beyond them the sun dappled waters gently dancing. A sailboat bouncing along in the distance. I sat and marveled at the peacefulness.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest.” Indeed! I felt rested and that all was right with the world. Sigh!

And then that feeling came to a screeching halt. The sand started flying. The howling began.

“You got sand in my hair!” Megan wailed.

“Well you got it in my eye!” Sarah cried as she rubbed her eye.

I scrambled to my feet and began the challenging negotiations. Five minutes later I led the way up the road carrying a sobbing boy and being trailed by two blubbering girls dragging their towels behind them.

The bell rang. Time to get ready for dinner. I wasn’t sure we would make it.