Yesterday, the front of our house, was full of birds. Robins are found almost year round in Missouri. At the back, there were deers. Mule deers with their antlers still on their head. To be surrounded by abundance, in my front and my back, by nature’s finest creatures is a thing of joy. Brilliant and soulful joy. A sublime mood. We were also snowed in and everywhere was literally covered in snow. Our grass, our trees, all the pathways leading to our home, were covered with the snow. Yet, the return of Robins to woodland areas signals the arrival of Spring after a dreary winter. And this winter has and continues to be dreary. Still in the midst of the day being dedicated to love, I paused to reflect on being blessed. That we live in a home that allows me and my family to bask in nature is no small feat and we do not take any of this for granted. We rise and continue to rise on our wings, even when weary with a lot of hard work and sweat. All this mixed with the glory of God, who continues to guide our path.

Last night, my husband and I recalled our first Valentine’s Day together, 10 years ago. We had nothing. Just the two of us, with me even leaving the country for my first job in Europe. We met when all the odds were literally against us. When long-distance for a relationship was inevitable and the future was all we hoped for. That the future is full of abundance, full of blessings, full of thanksgiving is sterling to me. We never in our wildest dreams imagined this future. But we trusted in the power of the word, the knowledge that God and only him, knows and continues to know the plans he has for those whom he loves. We still rest on this word. That and knowing that with him on our side, anything, even abundance, blessings is possible. Keep your blessings in mind. Even the small ones matter, whether today or 10 years later.