Rain to wash the pollen away is nice. Another cool snap is good too. Being mindful of the gift of rain and sun, lush trees and my dogs walking by my side this morning is on my mind. Gratefulness sets us up for a happier life.

When we are aware of every good and perfect gift, we flourish.

James 1:17

17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

Reminds me of the song Great Is Thy Faithfulness I sang often with my mother. 

Hearing a bird singing close by, I stop writing.

My gut reaction is that I feel like I am 17 for just a moment.

 You know that feeling, so powerful. You are transported back in time. An aroma, a taste, a song, or a photo and you are right back somewhere else. It does seem like yesterday that I lived with my mom and went to school, helped her in the yard, drove country roads.

 The hymn and the birdsong are a powerful combination of memories of my mother. 

I didn’t know then that she would be gone in two years. At seventeen, I couldn’t imagine it, never thought about it. But that bird singing nearby sounded like something from my Georgia teenage home. I can’t see it, so I don’t know what kind it is, but tears form and fall while I consider it.

Life is a gift.

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I pray that you know that your life is a gift.

I pray that you understand how precious this life is and how precious you are.

My mom died when I was almost 20. It was late March 1985, and her birthday was April 7th, so I think of her this time of year constantly. She was a great mom. The photo I chose to go with this post reminds me of her.

 Your life is a gift.

If you are sad or depressed. If you are not living your life, there is hope. For the most part, it is never too late to turn things around and fight for your life.

To start living is a gift to your family and those you come in contact with. It’s a wake up call for everyone you meet.

You spread life when you start living.

Thank you to every person who reads barefoot inspiration, you matter to me. I appreciate the time you take to read.

Living, grateful, and writing,

Kim