Last weekend marked our tenth year of traveling north to Door County, Wisconsin.  When life gets to be too much hurrying and scurrying and fretting, the solace of the north woods calms my soul and refreshes my spirit.  Time spent with my husband, daughter and son-in-law laughing, telling stories around the campfire and relaxing in the moment reminded me how precious our lives are.  Coming home Sunday afternoon we heard the horrific story unfolding in Orlando, and once again I found myself praying for families who have lost loved ones to gun violence.  The tragedy reminds me to never take a day for granted - to never miss an opportunity to say I love you to those that mean so much to me.  To not forget to live in the NOW, as there are never any guarantees for tomorrow.  

I Wake Close to Morning

~~Mary Oliver

Why do people keep asking to see

God's identity papers

when the darkness opening into morning

is more than enough?

Certainly any god might turn away in disgust.

Think of Sheba approaching

the kingdom of Solomon.

Do you think she had to ask,

"Is this the place?"

I pray for peace - for the families affected by the tragedy in Orlando, for those who are in pain, for those who face today knowing it is the last day on earth for a loved one.  May we all remember to not grow indifferent to the beauty of life.