December 8--Living in Gratitude

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.  --John F. Kennedy

    I start with these words by Brian McLaren about the wonder and awe of our created universe (which includes us):

Genesis describes the “very goodness” that comes at the end of a long process of creation…. That harmonious whole is so good that the Creator takes a day off, as it were, just to enjoy it. That day of restful enjoyment tells us that the purpose of existence isn’t money or power or fame or security or anything less than this: to participate in the goodness and beauty and aliveness of creation.

    I participated yesterday starting with a sweaty, fun hour of pickleball, followed by a cooling swim in the lap pool. I beaded a second ankle bracelet and then headed to the beach. The wind was strong and the waves were bigger than I have ever seen them in my three times here. Getting knocked around in the water wasn't much fun, so I retreated to our room and dozed in the hammock. Note that there is a palm with 8' long leaves right next to our 2nd floor balcony, along with lots of other vegetation. We watched an especially lovely sunset, then started the Hanukkah celebration with a candle-lit ceremony on the beach. Dinner was at Feathers, the "dress-up," reservations-required spot here at the resort. Yummy. 

    Time for more participation in the goodness and beauty and aliveness of creation!

        Leta

Our bunch at sunset, dressed up for dinner...