Life is Good

Do you ever wonder how your life became what it is? Do you ever marvel at the sheer goodness and perfection of everyday moments?
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Right now I'm sitting in a lounge chair at a friend's house. Rolling hills spread out before me, the sounds of birds chirping and the dogs panting beside me keep me from dozing off. The faint smell of horse manure occasionally drifts my way when the breeze picks up. My boys are in the field, working with the horses, a twice a week treat for them.

I love Barbara's small ranch. I love her house, much of it refinished by her own hand. But most of all, I love her heart...her willingness to spend time with two teenagers, sharing her knowledge and her passion with them.

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My sister and I often eat lunch out on the deck of her house in Pacific Grove. We watch the hummingbirds flit by. Deer stroll down the path toward Asilomar, just feet from where we recline. In the midst of her busy work day, she faithfully tries to carve out these peaceful moments. Each lunch is a blessing, for I know that they are numbered; they are for my "todays" only. A time will come when I'm once again in a different time zone.

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Several times a week our family dinners are hectic times around a big table filled with three generations. Cousins, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents. As I look on, following several conversations at one time, again I thank God for what He has given me today.

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Life is good. I love my family. I love my friends. Most of all, I love the God from whose hand all blessings flow.

In these moments....
bicycle rides along Cannery Row
baseballs hit over the fence in playoff games (go Sean!!)
dancing and singing with the sweet young voices of nieces and nephews mixed with our slightly breathy ones
morning study groups with women who sincerely want to honor and serve the One who created them...
God is good.

In the tougher moments...
the death of my father-in-law this past week
the struggles of dear friends conveyed through the internet
the ravages of time on old eyes and bodies and minds
miles and months of separation between me and the man that stole my heart 20 years ago....
God is still good.

"He gives and takes away,
And still my heart will say,
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Blessed be His Glorious Name."