​There’s an old hymn, written in 1864.  You’ve heard it any number of times, I’m sure.  “For the Beauty of the Earth” is a graceful reminder of the grandeur that surrounds us in creation.  It also draws attention to the joy which flows from the most profound element of creation; love itself.

​One of the true blessings of life that Deb and I enjoy is that we have grandchildren.  Some of them are not children any longer, in the normal use of the term.

​Now there’s a thought that could be either a plea or a challenge.  If tomorrow is my birthday and I know that wrapped gift sitting there is for me – it could be a challenge.  With the right hint, I could choose from a group of possibilities – all good possibilities.

​There are hard lessons in life.  Of course, we’ve all heard the phrase “blessing in disguise.”  Think about it.  How many times have you had a challenging experience of some kind, which lead to something very positive?  

If you watch a local TV morning news report while you begin your day, you will hear a weather forecast.  It is nearly certain the forecaster will refer to chance or probability in some fashion or another.  “The rain will hold off this morning, but most of the area has a chance for scattered showers – maybe even a thunderstorm – sometime in the late afternoon.”  

​I like flowers.  I don’t know much about them, but I like them.  Except for the most well-known (like a rose), it would be unusual for me to even know the name, but I like them.

​Life can follow challenging paths.  It can lead to frustration and anger.  It can bring sadness; even grief and loss may be included.  All of this can generate fear.  The path can unfold even more: exhaustion, drained feelings, and the experience of all energy – emotional and physical – having been spent.