Sunrise to Sunset

Day One of actively living in abundance, and counting blessings, in my own way.

It began with my first ever beach sunrise, serendipitously. It also ended at the beach, over a spontaneous gathering with friends at sunset. A chance to go see a friend on the sand and share stories. Laugh. Go in the waves just because.

Abundance is realizing the important things in life, the beauty, the friends, the many dots that connect as part of a greater plan. Not taking anything for granted.

Today, my daughter went on a trip to Disney World with her singing group and made two new close friends. She had an adventure and performed for the biggest audience she ever has - yet - on a world-famous stage. Also today, my son played his hardest in a soccer game, heard other people cheer his name, and made amazing saves. Become better at something and more tightly knit with his team. They've both come so far and learned so much.

We can all have abundance in our lives. Simply gather friends like flowers.

We can all fulfill our purpose if we first seek it. If we need answers to our questions, they're there - just open your eyes to them. If we ask God for something, He's right there in our heart.

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Let's back up to how I got to see my first sunrise over water. I'm not a morning person. I don't live close to the beach by Florida standards. My morning simply stared early, taking my daughter to the bus for her chorus trip. I was about to head home and go back to sleep. At the traffic light, instead, I had an immediate urge to the car around and go East. It was still dark out. I followed it, and drove over the bridge and to the beach.

I followed my heart to the sunrise over the water and in return, it sang.

My adventures usually include sneakers and sweat. After my fill of the sunrise, I ran six miles around Palm Beach island. Discovered a new trail by the intercoastal. Placed my hands on an 186-year old Kapok tree. Asked God to help heal some pain I was feeling in my hip and knee. Felt comforted.

I (finally!) understood why people journey to beach for sunrise, in seeing and appreciating the beauty of it for myself. Connecting with nature in that way is unreal.

Then to see my kids succeeding, my husband with his friends, my friend thriving and happy, and friends of hers which have become part of our circle all together. It's a beautiful thing. I'm appreciative to be able to make these connections, and connect the dots. Thank you, God, for putting these beautiful people and things in my path.

Our legacy of faith and friendship continues on through our kids. In a few short weeks, our kids will all to church camp together... and not only willingly, but excited to do so. They feel God's presence in each other, too.

The funniest thing that happened today was on our way home. My son asked from the back seat, "Dad, why do you always say thank God?"

True, we probably say "Thank God" often for an eight-year-old to notice. And we probably shouldn't take God's name in vain as often as we do with all the "OMGs".

But, why do we say, "Thank God”?

We thank God for everything in our lives. Thank God for keeping us safe. Thank God for keeping us healthy. Thank God for all of the abundance he's already given us. Thank God for our children and their talents. Thank God for giving them a good head on their shoulders, and an even better heart. Thank God for this family that regenerates the love we have every day together. Thank you, God.

Worth Avenue Clock Tower in Palm Beach at Sunrise. Photo by Jackie Morreale.

Sunrise through the palms in Palm Beach.

​(I'm leaving the gorgeous green orbs and light streams on purpose - let's feel His presence!)