I was studying a pharmaceutical website this morning that had this picture at the bottom of one of its pages. For some reason, I was mesmerized and the picture alone brought me a sense of peace and calm and a feeling of receiving a gift.

When I see sunrises, or when I walk out of the office building at 5 pm and see a brilliant sunset, I always try to verbally out loud say, “Thank you.” These are gifts from God that are right there if we will just stop to recognize.

A former niece of mine, whom I shall claim forever because I love her dearly, often posts the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets from her farm, and each time she shares her view with the rest of us on social media, I stop and whisper, “Thank you.” Even though I am seeing it through her lens, it is still breath stopping.

*****

Today, I need a sunrise of hope and a sunset of peace.

Today, I am grateful for the promise of new days to try again.

Today, I am grateful for beautiful closure and the reminder that the worst thing is never the last thing.

Today, I am grateful for the ability to just stop and reflect.

Today, I am just grateful to be in the palm of His hand.