I don’t consider myself having bad days at present. I have come through tough times and my “now” is so much better than my “then”. My heart goes out to the person who cannot, for whatever reason, see beyond their difficult “now”. Life is hard.

Today was my last time to swim in the ocean in Hawaii before we go back to Duluth, MN (where snow still hangs around). As I was bobbing in the water, a fellow swimmer was bobbing about, too, and we visited awhile. I do not know her name or much, but the encounter was a reminder we are all living and carrying various burdens and yet appreciate the tender mercies of a pleasant few moments before we move on.

I have cultivated a sense of gratefulness for many years and one of the things I noticed is that things can always be worse. So, I was humbled recognizing the good of my situation. But now, my heart aches for the many who have it so bad and cannot even see anything to be thankful for.

I appreciate always being able to begin again.

Reverence arises for me in my life in moments of stillness and often silence. The split second pause between exhalation and inhalation. In the faint fragrance of nature when I am far from the natural world. In the vivid colors I see knowing somewhere there are colors I have never seen, yet. In the contemplation that there are worlds far beyond my imaginings contained in God. Gratitude leads me to reverence also.

I can be still and listen to anyone, anywhere. I engage in stillness daily to listen……for God….for silence….for nature.

My days are filled with gratitude and I deeply enjoy the moments of each day. Delight though occurred about a week ago. We are in Hawaii, the Big Island, for a month and we hiked through a lava field to reach the most wonderful beach! The sand was white and so soft I could go barefoot! (something I have been unable to do for 20 years!) The water was clear and turquoise and I got to bob in the water for well over an hour on this marvelous sand! The whole experience was delightful!

Being able to breath through uncongested sinuses. The sun on my face. The fragrance of Maui Rain, a fragrance I just bought today. Wearing flowers in my hair.
My last thoughts of the day as I slip into sleep one more time.

I agree with Christina; the relationship with God that cannot be lost. I have lost more in my life than I ever wanted to. I would have become a bitter person if I hadn’t had a relationship with God to sustain and guide me.

I care for me, and all who refer to themselves as “me”.
“Life is too short to experience everything, but the human heart is big enough to resonate with everything that any other human heart has experienced.” Br. David Steindl-Rast
“The second greatest command is like it, love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus.

Every night in bed, my hands folded under my cheek, I’ve said my prayers and am about to fall asleep.

The drops of water on the bamboo of the porch (remainders of the deluge of rain last night), a gecko scurrying on a broad leaf and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean in front of me.

When my children were little, I did the same thing, Michael! I needed the solitude and also the time to exercise, pray, read, do calligraphy. I still do those things but I don’t have to arise so early to do them!

Ben, is that an Angel’s Trumpet with you in your picture?!

Linda, I hope you have a cat. Dogs are great but they are a bit needy and it sounds like you give a lot to your husband. Cats are more independent and it feels like an honor when they curl up with you and purr. Dogs love everyone (they are kind of like God in that respect; God spelled backwards is Dog!)

Kim, I understand some of how you feel. My beloved daughter has treated me in a similar way. Rejection is a difficult thing to live with. It hardly matters at all the acceptance you might have from others, the one who rejects you, especially from one you gave life to, pains deeply. Forgiveness of them and yourself is a daily practice. With Palm, blessings of mercy and gentleness be yours. -Deb-

Thank you, Kevin, for your prayers. I think M. Scott Peck’s opening words in his book The Road Less Travelled are very true: “Life is hard.” I have never expected it to be easy, but sometimes I am amazed and stunned at it’s difficulty. Thank you.

I know your pain, Antoinette. Six years ago my husband of 35 years decided we needed to go our separate paths. I lived at a Benedictine monastery 18 months, which helped me immensely. I also took a course called Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey which was incredibly helpful in learning how to manage what little money I had.
I am so sorry for your losses. God’s blessings of peace, comfort and new birth be yours.