by Harry Wood

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

As my life winds down, I find that simple things, taking just minutes, even seconds, provide a balance in my daily routine.

One look at nature on a Spring morning with emerald-colored leaves budding through the brown fingers of tree limbs and tulips and lillies pushing up blossoms of red, yellow and purple satisfies my need for austere surroundings. A walk on a dewy Spring morning shifts the pessimism of dark wintry days into the optimism of new life and great expectations.

Brisk steps over winding lanes of shadowed cottages can quell the initial grip of a stressful day as I tap the keys of my Blackberry and discover a grid-lock of commitments. The walk limbers the tightness around my heart and loosens the plaque that crowds the lifelines of my existence.

The awakening of the birds brings melodious sounds to break the slience of night as it fades into the creeping light of a new day. Some where in the distance a cock crows, and the snap of lights twinkle through windows of restful abodes. In my haste I duck to miss a folded newspaper being tossed by a boy on a bicycle.

In the orange fingers of dawn, I find God has given me another day. I take a moment to count my blessings, the many blessings, he has heaped upon my undeserving soul. As I walk, I lift a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. For the gentle breeze of an early morning excursion that retains the chill of winter and for the smell of new life as it breaks the dampness.

Back in the warm bosom of my home, I select one of the synoptic Gospels, John, in my New International Version of the Bible for inspiration and guidance. I get the feeling that I'm not alone in this gig. There's a spiritual Father looking over me and I thank Him for His kindness and patience and ask his blessings to keep me, my family and my friends safe and secure during the day.

Then as the light of a new day sifts through the windows of my home,I take the first cup of morning coffee, its aroma steaming in my nostrils, to my wife snoozing in the early morning light. There I rediscover that the love of two beings requires only simple gestures and gentle affection. She yawns a soft "thank you" and rewards me with a warm hug.

All of this reminds me of God's love and how simple it is to maintaina balanced life.

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