in search of the perfect day - wales day 2

Jeff says I’m a Platonist.  He says that I’m always in search of the perfect day -that I have this belief rooted deep down inside of me that says that there is an ideal day out there and I have to find it.  Especially when the stakes are high and we’re off on an adventure.   While this search often leads me to second guess every little decision I make (maybe that first restaurant would have been better for us than this one we found after checking out the menu at 6 different places)  and feel frustrated in a heap of unmet expectations – every once in a while it places us smack dab in the middle of a utterly perfect day. 

And that’s what happened on day two of our trip to Wales.

It was Sunday and we got up in our cute little cottage and went out for a walk before heading to church.  As we set out we had no idea that we had plopped ourselves in the middle of such a breathtaking place.  We walked up a little country road to where it joined into the Pembrokeshire Coastal path (miles and miles of breathtaking trails along the coast of southern wales). 

The kids were in a mood.  A good mood.  A cohooting, imagining, flower picking, hand-holding, harmonious mood.  I love that mood.The walk was mostly peaceful and at every turn we were greeted with more loveliness. You get the idea.  It was a perfect Sunday stroll.  You can’t help but feel the Spirit of God surrounded by His glory. Church was delightful.  A tiny little branch, warm and welcoming.  A little boy greeted us as we walked in and in his charming welsh accent told us that we “came on the right day…..munch and mingle day.”  After the meeting we chatted with people about the area and the church there.  I love being able to go to church anywhere in the world and have instant fellowship as we worship with new friends.Next we went to Pembroke Castle.  It wasn’t quite the ruined castle as Carreg Cennen, but it was pretty spectacular.  We were nearly the only ones there and we ran wild, exploring every inch. 

Peter took a little nap in his stroller and we kept a close eye on him from the castle walls.  There was a cave underneath this castle too, though it wasn’t nearly as small or dark or scary like our ruined castle. 

And last we stumbled upon this amazing beach.  And we had it all to ourselves.We walked and climbed on rocks and searched for beach treasures.We marveled at the details of God’s creations. Hazel took these pictures.  I love the one up above with Jeff and Emmeline in the background.  That is so typical Emmeline these days.  That girl is a handful.

And then below is me with little Peter who is nearly always content to be a little monkey on my back.  We took the scenic (and also the only) route back to our little cottage.  We drove by this beach called Freshwater West.  Apparently there have been a bunch of movies filed here, including a scene from on of the Harry Potter movies.  I wanted so much to get out and run and explore, but Jeff convinced me that getting all the hungry tired kids out of car would ruin an otherwise perfect day.  I think he was spot on.So I just enjoyed the view from the car.

A walk, church, a castle and the beach.  All packed into one perfectly crystally day.

It’s funny, as I lived through this day I didn’t see it as very perfect, I was fettered with the details of making decisions and executing logistics.  There were moments, lots of them this particular day, that stopped time and felt perfect, but they were quickly followed by the reality that is all part of the 4 little kid bundle: snotty noses, hungry stomachs, tired legs.  It is only now, looking at these pictures that I realize the day couldn’t have been more ideal.   I’m trying to figure out how to recognize and honor perfection (and imperfection for that matter) in the moment. 

Any ideas?