I woke up this morning with an abundance of gratitude.

As I rose from my bed and placed my bare feet onto the soft sheep skin rug…

As I stepped out onto the porch and saw the sun shimmering on the water…

As I gazed at my beautiful girls, hair tousled and sleepy-eyed…

As I cupped my hands around a warm, fragrant cup of coffee…

I felt so incredibly grateful for this life – for my many blessings.

I was reminded of a poem by Brian Andreas:

“It’s not what you first think

There is no effort of will,

No firm resolve in the face of this thing called living.

There is only paying attention to the quiet each morning

While you hold your cup in the cool air

And then that moment you choose to spread

Your love like a cloth upon the table

And invite the whole day in again.”

I love the intention of it – “that moment you choose to spread your love like a cloth upon the table and invite the whole day in again.”

My day wasn’t perfect – few days are.

I do notice, though, that the days I begin with gratitude and intention –

Those are usually good days.