I'm not sure what it is about Maui that does it but things just slow down while we're here. It could be the fact that there are no to-do lists, errands, yardwork, housework, meetings, appointments, lessons, and the list goes on. I do enjoy all of those things at home but here, here it's just nice to wake up to birds chirping (even if it is 5:30 in the morning), the sight of my children sleeping in their beds with no covers, and the ocean framed by palm trees out our balcony. I don't even mind showing a little skin.
I almost don't mind throwing in a load of laundry or washing a few dishes because when I'm done I can sip my coffee, work on my puzzle, finish my book, or just sit on the balcony and enjoy the view.
Knowing most of our family is a just an elevator or pathway away is soothing. It's part of the magic of Maui. Some of them are missing this year. Work, money, commitments all pulling them in different directions. Most of them will reunite here this October without us but I'm happy for them that they will get to experience the magic too.
Marcus loves boogie boarding, Justin not so much. Justin enjoys creating monsters out of sand and so does his sister, well not monsters but she still enjoys building sand castles. She also enjoys catching waves on her mini boogie board.
This place allows me the space to think, to ponder, to process everything. I am happy with my life. We're raising our kids, building our lives, laying a foundation for what is to come. Sometimes I see a crack in that foundation and realize that it needs to be filled, reinforced so that it doesn't cause a divide, one that cannot be fixed. Teenagers have a way of revealing cracks. Everything can be going along smoothly and then trip, you stumble on that part of your life that was uneven and is pushing itself to the surface.
And then there are those times when you glance at your sons and realize they're growing into men. Men you hope will be filled with integrity and honor like their father. Men who will choose a wife and choose her wisely. Men who will love their wife with all of their heart and his children unconditionally. Men who will provide for their family, protect them, care for them and give them his best.
The best thing is, I'm married to that man.
As we head into the second week of our vacation here on Maui my mind continues to ponder. Is the good stuff good because we haven't taken the time to really enjoy it or it's good because it doesn't happen very often. Maybe it's both. It's good to wake up to a warm breeze blowing over your summer jammied body. It's good to slow things down and lounge around in the morning, throw on your swimsuit and head to the beach. It's good to take a shower in the afternoon and then fall asleep among the cool sheets with damp hair. It's good that a 1000 piece puzzle is on the dining room table and you can work on it little by little.
Is it good to get up early before everyone else and have some quiet time? Is it good to tackle your to-do list? Is it good to keep a clean house? Is it good to pay the bills and run errands? Yes, all of those are good things but they are quickly put into perspective here. They are not what is most important. People. That's what's important.
