A Precious Gift

Kim Tittel writes from the solitude of a beach-house's screened-in porch.

I have come to know this refuge as my personal escape. It is here that I dwell in my thoughts while listening to the birds as they surround me in melody, all with their own personal song. The crickets have their own symphony. First, a select few, and slowly the rest join in for an astounding crescendo. A lone cardinal gives a solo performance just for me. A gentle breeze and suddenly the leaves are whispering amongst themselves. I wonder what they have to say?

The daytime candle has been lit from above. As the morning unfolds into a new day, there is life starting all around me. I hear the cry of a child, the movement of a car, and in the distance, the bark of a dog. Constantly changing, never stopping. What awaits us this new day? Will it be the joy of a hug or a kiss from a child? Are we to be disappointed from a loved one? Will tears of sadness or pride flow without shame? The answers will be revealed to us through out this new day. We can only wait. We cannot dwell on what is to be; for fear that we will miss it. We shall embrace the day. Explore what has been given to us so freely in this beautiful place. Let life surround us with all that it has to offer. Let us not be foolish and sit idle, but instead, take hold and let it envelop us. We do not know if this chance will be given to us again. Each day is a precious gift. It cannot be returned or exchanged. It is ours to do with as we please. It must be used wisely. We will never have another one, for each day will different from the previous one.

As the day draws to a close I am back in my refuge once again to reflect on the events that have taken place. The birds are singing their goodnights. The night light lights have been turned on above to guide us through the evening events. The world around us is beginning to slow down for a short rest. It is now that I ask of myself, did I use the day wisely? Did I see and hear all that there was? Did I put a smile on a face or a tear in their eye? Was I kind and considerate or a foolish boar? I can only partially answers these questions, for I know not what other people perceived of me. What I do know, is that I was not a disappointment to myself. I did not intentionally cause harm or despair. I did what I could and I should not expect more from myself than that. Therefore I am content and I am at peace. I cannot ask for more than that in the course of a day. Thank you for the gift of today, I can only hope to be as blessed tomorrow.