We took Mayne to Navarre Beach last week since the weather was perfect and we’d been craving some salty air. We’ve gone to the beach a few times this year but mostly to walk the shoreline.

The last actual beach day we had with him was last summer when he couldn’t crawl just yet. He chilled out in the chair seemingly calmed by the waves. We’ve been eager to see his reaction this year now that he’s turbo crawling to anything that catches his eye.

Saying he loved it was an understatement. The sand enamored him. Seeing so many children around thrilled him. He was on cloud nine. Until he ate a fist full of sand.

Chaos ensued… I got most of the sand out of his mouth but of course he was hysterical. A good ole comfort nursing session did the trick.

He calmed down and went right back to playing. Keeping a close eye on him in an attempt to ward off an all you can eat sand buffet break down par deux.

We were on a roll no more fists full of sand to the face and feeling pretty confident. Now, if you have kids you know how fast their little hands can move at the speed of light in true toddler ninja fashion. Right in front of our faces (not quite as full this time) another sand snack. Que the hysterics…

Long story short, we had a wonderful time at the beach that day and only four attempts to eat a fist full of sand. Mayne’s encounter with sand allowed me to reflect on something in adulthood.

There’s been so many times in my adult life where I’ve been distracted by the sand. A one track mind on all the sand around me. Longing to simply enjoy the moment, but instead eating the sand- knowing I shouldn’t. Knowing the repercussions.

We aren’t so different from toddlers. Doing something that doesn’t serve us well over and over again though we know it’s not meant for us. Staying on our phones, consuming too much media, consuming so much garbage.

I’m in a season of life where I truly want to enjoy the small moments and put away the distractions I know aren’t serving my spirit well. Mayne’s beach day is a beautiful reminder for me as a mother and an adult- don’t eat the sand.