The Tiny Tin Condo

     Almost 25 years ago, my mother and father bought a travel trailer and moved it permanently to the beach. To the Oceanfront Trailer Court in Salter Path, NC. For you who may not know, Salter Path is halfway between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach. My family had grown up going to Myrtle Beach one week every summer, but after they purchased the trailer "our beach" became Salter Path. The trailer became the Tiny Tin Condo at the beach. After several years, the original trailer was replaced by a brand new, shiny, larger trailer and it still stands today in the same spot - F7.
     Over the years the trailer has seen many changes around it. It has weathered many storms including Hurricanes Bertha and Fran, with little or no damage. Bertha tried to intimidate the "Tiny Tin Condo" with a sand blasting "facial" and great effort (but with limited success) to move the trailer off its "foundation". But the "Tiny Tin Condo" stood tough and firm.  The neighborhood around the trailer has changed quite a bit. When the trailer first took it's place at F7, the Salter Path Family Campground was its next door neighbor. Fishin' Fever was across the street, Smithfield Barbecue (which became Dairy Queen) was a few doors down and the IGA was THE grocery store to go to.  Several piers, including the Indian Beach Pier, where we could walk and get a morning paper or an ice cream treat, darted proudly out into the Atlantic and provided fishing pleasure to the common folk. Today, the Salter Path Family Campground is a fenced in lot of weeds, the Fishin' Fever is Albert's Florist and the IGA is a gift/food/everything store. The Dairy Queen has been torn down and several new towering "luxury" condos have been built. One had the misfortune of being built when the economy went south and still stands empty after over two years. A luxury ghost town. The fishing piers weren't able to weather the hurricanes well and no longer stand. But the "Tiny Tin Condo" remains. People have come and gone, some lost to age and some to illness. Some have moved "up" and some simply grew tired of maintaining a trailer at the beach. The trailer has seen long lasting relationships, broken relationships, and new relationships born. Grandchildren got married and great-grandchildren were added to the family. The "Tiny Tin Condo" has remained a constant in the family. This year, it got a face lift. My brother David, painted the accent stripe and doors proud Wolfpack RED. It looks rather nice I must say! I'm sure you would agree! The trailer has seen its share of wear and tear, but like the Velveteen Rabbit, the wear and tear is only a sign of the love and good times the trailer has provided those who have had the privilege of staying in it.  Sadly, my Daddy died in 2009. He loved to come to the trailer with my Mom, family, and with his dog, Muppet. He was meticulous in caring for the trailer and the yard around it. Daddy is still very much a part of the beach and the trailer to our family.
     The trailer has remained despite changes in the landscape and people around it.  It is a place of refuge and shelter for our family. When I think of this, I am reminded of my Heavenly Father. No current events, no weather, no terrorist attack, no political correctness or election, and no sour economy can budge God off His throne, off His foundation. His love is constant and unchanging. I am reassured by His Word, in which He tells me "I am the LORD and I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) My God is sovereign and in control! His love for me is constant and unchanging, despite my emotions and circumstances, and who may be around me. People may come and go, but God's presence is always with me. God is my shelter and refuge. Psalm 71:3 says "Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress." Reassuring words from His Word, which stands forever!
     The Tiny Tin Condo has fewer years ahead of it than behind it. It's season is coming to an end. One day, it will no longer stand but the memories from its time will last forever. I am grateful to God for providing, through my Mom and Dad a special place to stay at the beach. I am more grateful to my God who will stand long after and forever past the days of the Tiny Tin Condo
     Isaiah 40:28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint.