I was strolling my niece today through a neighborhood when it suddenly occurred to me that I am very blessed because I have time. As we went through the neighborhood, I was struck by the absolute silence. No people anywhere: no one having coffee, washing a car, playing outdoors, or waiting for the mail.

I am a part-time teacher, who has been searching for a full-time job for a long time. Instead of complaining, I am feeling blessed. I have time to make dinner each night for my family, and time to grocery shop on Monday morning, when the store is calm. I have time to attend my son's baseball games and help him with his science fair project. I have time to bake and deliver a batch of cookies to my daughter's homeroom, to celebrate her birthday, embarrassing for her as a teen, but deep down she LOVES it. Time to watch my niece one day each week. Time to keep a nice home, to spoil my husband, to actually LIVE! Don't get me wrong, there are many things I do not have like a new car, luxury vacations, and that patio I have been dreaming of... But I am thankful for a loving, awesome husband, 3 terrific kids and the TIME to enjoy it all.

Thank you for reminding all of us daily what a blessing life is, and encouraging us to have the guts to enjoy it. You make my day every day!