Just sitting here reflecting on what a wonderful life I've been given.  Sure, we're not suffering from any major natural calamities, poverty, or diseases ... but the things that make my life so wonderful have little to do with that.  I did used to think that comfort, talents, & acclaim were necessary for my personal happiness.  Now I know better.

Just watching my children watching turtles swim across the pond, or play water ski w/ a rope as they pull each other across the yard brings so much joy ... it's irrational, I know, but the satisfaction of being a mother is beyond what I could have imagined.  A husband who dearly loves me, and whom I absolutely adore, a God who gave all for me and inspires me to give my all for others, the glory of the natural world, the rich beauty of the Catholic faith I have stumbled onto by no merit of my own, extended family who love & guide us. 

We are truly blessed.

The blessings we have are not available to all people now - but it's not for lack of money.  It seems that in our increasing lives of comfort & leisure, many of the most satisfying things are sometimes lost. 

Where would I be without my family?