The Beauty of Life

This morning as I sat in the chair by the window, knitting, with candle flame flickering and wood stove popping and snapping, I thought about this quote, by Tasha Tudor,

“Life isn't long enough to do all you could accomplish. And what a privilege even to be alive. In spite of all the pollutions and horrors, how beautiful this world is. Supposing you only saw the stars once every year. Think what you would think. The wonder of it!”                                How true those words are.  There are hard things in the world around us and yet, we wake each morning to see the clouds float above us in story book shapes, and hear birds sing to us in songs that gladden our hearts.  For me, I had a wonderful weekend with all my family beside me, hearing childhood laughter, the sound of happy running feet down our long hallways and squeals of delight.  There was laughter around our table and thoughts on all that we are thankful for.  There were pies to be eaten and mounds of mashed potatoes that looked like small volcano's on each plate, spilling gravy as lava.   There was no distinction as far as love goes, between in-law and not in-law.  The love is the same.   My heart nearly burst having so many hugs around my neck and hearing, "I love you Grammine" from each grandchild.  My children are such blessings and my husband, well, to be honest, there are not adequate words to express the love we share.    Today the house is quiet, but the joy is all still there for me.  The deep contentment, the profound satisfaction in knowing my life is so full.   Many years ago, we made investments in time, energy, and lots of prayer to raise a family that would bless us and the world around them.  It had nothing to do with money, or how many toys they had, or what brand name clothes they had or in our case, did not have.  It had to do with the things money cannot buy, love, patience, joy, imagination, gratitude, sympathy where needed and appreciation for the natural world.  It is a privilege to be alive and experience so much joy and peace.  It is a joy to be alive in a world so full of beauty that can be seen easily, is looked for.   Life is good.