Chasing Seagulls

I took my four lovely girls to the Natural Bridges State Beach today. It was simply gorgeous! The girls had so much fun. Betsie didn't want to leave and made a terrific display of showing me how she felt about leaving (otherwise known as a tantrum.) But even with the kicking and screaming that was our departure, the trip was just blissful. There is nothing quite like watching your children play at the beach. Nettie spent the entire time working on her sand castle kingdom.

Aubrie played in the sand for awhile, chased seagulls for awhile, played on the waves crashing on the shore for awhile and huddled under her towel warming herself in the sun for awhile.

Betsie was probably the most fun to watch. She loved running and jumping in the water, digging in the sand and most of all chasing the seagulls. She would point to the gulls and say, "Birds, Mommy! I catch them!" in her super cute little voice and then she'd run after them.

I couldn't help but muse about the chasing of the seagulls. Kids just love chasing birds. I wonder what age they grow out of that seemingly irresistible urge. They run after those winged creatures never imagining that it is a futile venture. All they can see is how amazing it would be to catch one and that thought keeps them running even after the birds elude their grasp time and time again. And the joy and complete abandon they exude while attempting this feat is a sight to behold. What a lesson to be learned from chasing seagulls. Whenever a task comes upon us that seems overwhelming, even impossible, approach it like a child approaches the seagull. Run after it with all your might, laughing hysterically the whole way and imagine the feeling that would come from catching it!