Every Day is a Gift

At this time of year, our thoughts are focused on gifts - we are making lists, shopping, wrapping and anticipating gift giving and receiving. For many, there's a certain amount of anxiety that goes along with it: budgets are stretched thin as we stress about what to buy for each person and how to find the time to do it all.

In the midst of all this, it's good to remind ourselves that the simplest gifts in life are free.  Just to wake up each morning, breathe fresh air, see the sun (when it makes an appearance) and have the strength to do the tasks that are before us each day are gifts.  We participate in this thing called life because we were given the gift of being; we were miraculously created and are being renewed day by day.  We have families, co-workers, friends, pets, homes and so much more to be thankful for. Our lives are blessed tremendously by everything we take for granted.

We live our lives as if tomorrow is an assurance, but there are no guarantees.  There is only today, this moment, ever unfolding and becoming tomorrow as we follow its path. May we do so thoughtfully, faithfully, with reverence for the simple beauty of the greatest gift of all - life itself.

Take time to pause, breathe in the beauty of this moment  and give thanks...