Toft's Thoughts

Can you believe it is already mid-July? Summer is whizzing by faster than I care to admit. COVID-19 hasn't slowed us down as I shuttle children to and from work, drivers ed, swim lessons and other daily activities. The days are busy and flash by in the blink of an eye, but they're all filled with a lot of family fun.

My husband and I recently celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary. Due to our busy schedule, our four children made us a delicious meal of homemade pizzas and cupcakes. They decorated and we had sparkling wine, wine for the adults, and laughed as we told stories of our excessively hot wedding day.

We typically dine out for our anniversary, but this change of pace was practically perfect and a wonderful way for us to spend our evening. After we put the children to bed, we talked about how nice it was to look across the table and see what our love has made. That sounds so cliché and cheesy, but we really are grateful that God had our paths cross and that we, two people who are so seemingly similar, work so well together. Nine years and decades more to go with my best friend – God is good.

This weekend my band, She's With Us, was the very first band to play this summer's Live at the Lake concert series at the Preservation Plaza Greenspace in Arnold's Park. We opened for the cover band Vic Ferrari. It stormed earlier that afternoon, but after the winds died down to a steady breeze the weather and night turned out to be a perfect one.

Arnold's Park did well in following COVID-19 regulations and making sure they did their best in keeping everyone safe. Circles were painted on the grass for families/groups to share and distance themselves from others. Masks were required upon entry and in the line for food and drink, but they could be shed once inside. The dance floor was still graced with dancers dancing the night away, most still staying with their particular group and keeping away from dancing with others.

To say we had an amazing time would be an understatement. Singing in front of an Okoboji sunset, on the big stage, in front of a fun, ready-to-be-entertained Okoboji crowd was a wonderful experience. Seeing so many people connect through the music during a time where it seems like everything is trying to tear us apart was pretty fantastic, too.

COVID-19 is here, but the beat goes on. We thank God that we live where we do and are able to still live amidst the storm. We thank God for our health and the grain of sanity we have remaining. We lean into God and His ever-knowing almighty ways, grateful that we can cast our burdens unto Him and fully rely on Him.

I pray you stay safe and know you are loved. Have a blessed week.

Sentinel-News contributor Iesha Toft lives in Royal.