Everyone dies but not everyone lives...

Living in Kauai, I am keenly aware of the fact that it is such a special place but my struggle comes when the cares of life creep in. I find myself forgetting to look around me and revel in the big and small miracles everyday.

Today started out on a rough note. I could not get my blood sugar under control and I was fighting my body the whole day at work. I get discouraged when I know what Iʻm capable of and when I know Iʻm not hitting that mark.

The highlight of my work day was when a customer was paying me with travelerʻs checks and I asked her for her driverʻs license. When I looked down, her Minnesota license greeted me! I asked her where she was from in Minnesota and she said St. Paul! "I lived there too, I giggled!" She told me she lived near Como Park and my heart swelled because I knew right where that was. That one interaction brought so much joy to my heart and light to my eyes!

I got off work, tired and grateful to go home.

I made the decision to take a long walk and from that point on, my day greatly improved.

As I walked and listened to some great music, I lifted my heart in prayer to my Maker. I took the time to look around me and be thankful for the feasts for my eyes.

It was time to cross the highway. As I hopped across, my eyes met with a complete stranger as he drove past and a sweet smile lit up his face.

He will probably never know just how much that simple act meant to me. It was perfectly timed and delivered at just the right moment. My heart soared.

As I walked down the road, I looked down and saw a tiny gecko. I thought it was strange for him to be in the road and when I stooped down, I realized he was mortally wounded and was dying. My heart ached as I worked to gently move him into the grass.
A young boy walked by and watched me with great curiousity. I said a silent prayer and asked God to comfort the tiny lizard.

You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat animals and things smaller than they are. May I always take the time to be compassionate.

Hot and sweaty, I decided to head to the beach for a swim. I pulled on my bathing suit and walked to the beach.

I can tell you, in all honesty, as I walked that beach, almost every other shell, rock, and piece of coral was in the shape of a heart. I could hardly believe it and wished I could have taken a picture. I will cherish the one I hold in my mind.

I found a calm spot, swam, floated, played, and looked down into the water trying to find shells and "treasures".

Feeling tired and content that I had spent the latter part of my day well, I got out of the water and walked back home.

On my way, I got to see a man playing in the sweetest way with his dog. Even though they were both older, the years melted off of both of them and they acted like a boy and a puppy. I told the man I loved watching them play!

Now, Iʻm showered, sitting on my bed, and eager for sleep. Tomorrow will be another early work day.

My prayer as I go forward is that I will take the time to live life well. I donʻt want to waste a single day. No matter what comes, no matter what is happening in my heart, mind, or body, I will strive for this.

Life is a gift and I make the choice to LIVE!