gratefulness

A friend passed on her recipe for the most delectable homemade chocolate cake I've ever had. (Thanks, Mel!) This morning, even before Maia was changed out of her pajamas, I began our day by showing her how to ice a cake. Of course, the most important part of icing the cake is cleaning out the icing bowl, a task which she was more than happy to help with. Chocolate cake as mid-morning snack -- a perfect pick-me-up for the kind of week we're having!

Today I have a profound sense of gratefulness. It's easy to find things to be thankful for -- a bright sunny end-of-
winter day... little birds that were chirping in a little tree just above eye level so Maia and I could both enjoy them on our stroll to pick up the mail... the promise of spring just around the corner... the incredible gift of a loving husband and a joyful and inquisitive daughter... feeling surrounded by friends and family who care for us
well... and a peace that passes all understanding... a Creator who cares and shows himself to us in small acts of kindness and sometimes even in the midst of grand mysteries.

And that is only the beginning.

Oh, and did I mention this reason?