Life Is Good!

Well, it's Sunday morning and I'm up early.I have this alarm clock in my head that says "time to get up", even when my body says "not yet". :)

I made a cup of coffee and looked outside, it's a beautiful morning! I thought of all of the sunrises I would have missed if I had slept in.

It's September and the weather is beginning to change. I love the cool mornings when the wind is blowing. The view from our house is incredible, I can see the sun rise from my back porch. So I sit and drink my coffee and start to wake up in the peace and quiet of the desert.

As I sit here, just me and the cat. (We are the only early birds around here.) :)
I consider all the grace God has shown to me.
My life is so full of peace and contentment,and it hasn't always been like that.

In fact, yesterday Manny and I were driving through Whittier where I grew up. I pointed out the club my Dad worked at when I was a kid, and the Liquor Store where he was the Manager for several years. I told Manny the story of how my Dad was robbed and the man locked him in the freezer. As I passed by the street signs, memories flooded my brain. I recognized streets by my Grandma Goldie's house.

It was then that I realized how events and circumstances shape and mold us. There were people and places that I have not thought of in over 30 years. However, as soon as I was back in the "old" neighborhood I remembered them with clarity.

Now I sit with coffee cup in hand enjoying a quiet and peaceful morning. Gone are the days of fear, tears and sadness that filled my world. The peace of God has replaced them with love, contentment, and joy.

I count my blessings daily, starting with the love of my life Manny. I am so blessed to have a husband like him, words can not describe what he means to me.

We were at Dana Point and there was this older couple climbing on the rocks. The husband helped his bride of at least 50 years find a place to sit down. He made sure she was comfortable and took her picture. The look in her eyes when she smiled at him was one of the most endearing things I have ever seen. Her eyes spoke of deep love, respect, and passion. I offered to take their picture together, and in the back of my mind I thought this could be a special memory for them.

At the end of the day as we drove back to our hotel I felt such peace and contentment. I realized I have that kind of marriage with Manny. We love one another, respect each other, and try to put the needs of the other before our own. I can only hope that more couples will experience this in their lives!

When life gets busy, and I long for the crashing of waves and sitting by the shore, I will remember this moment of reflection with a thankful heart.