Recently I watched a TV Channel from Boston.  It was a 1992 show taped at Nauset Beach on the Cape.  It was a contest of "sand builders", including castles, dragons, whales, mermaids, computers, and their "mouse"; but mostly, castles.  Many hands made these dream castles come to life; this was serious business, and the construction tools were quite original.  Exquisite, many-turreted castles with windows, drawbridges and long walls grew before our eyes.  The judges moved from one to the other, making their difficult decisions.  Awards were presented, to the delight of the  crowd on the beach.

An hour later, high tide edged its frothing surf closer and closer to the beautiful castles.  One-by-one they tumbled down and  became part of the beach again, but still there in another form.

Beautiful moments don't last forever.  They aren't meant to.  If they did, we would not appreciate them.

Jesus lived 33 years - the last three years he preached about God's goodness, mercy, grace and special love.  Waves of hatred took away his earthly life.  But his message could not be washed away; his disciples became the builders of His church.  Now, 2000 years later, His message lives on.

Castles in the sand are temporary; though quite beautiful.

Christ is the solid rock upon which our faith comes alive, and is very beautiful.

                                          Just a note,  Jean Souter

                                                                           (Reprinted from October 1999)