Each week that passes without crisis is a blessing. That's the way I see it. I'm becoming more accustomed to these weeks, and want to relax in the feeling they bring. Last year at this time Bill was in the hospital, then in February he was in a skilled nursing facility. This year he is doing real well.

Sometimes it's easier to comment on another's thoughts than it is to express my own. I can see and feel the angst in some writings, and identify so well with those feelings. I also know those feelings will gradually fade. It seems to be a blessing I often take for granted. It's more difficult to be thankful than to be resentful, but the joy of thankfulness offers me so much more peace.

I just received a great e-mail from one of my nieces. I'd seen it before, but had forgotten about it. The content is about the man who had walked for 14 years from town to town handing out Bibles. It's a pretty neat story about a man who has no worldly goods, save for his backpack, but is totally content in who he is and the life he leads. I'm reminded again that all the "stuff" we get caught up in is just that - "stuff" - My real peace doesn't come from "stuff", it comes from relationships. I'm thankful to have learned that lesson.