In a perfect world ...

As the fall season (where is it in Florida anyway?) gradually unfolds, several people I know are dealing with seasonal flu and colds, the sum of which can really halt your plans or perhaps at least change what you had planned to do.

Sometimes, though, slowing down for a bit is not necessarily a bad thing.

Yet it gives way to other thoughts.

I am continually amazed by how people deal with their imperfect lives.

Note here.

Nobody has a perfect life.

Imperfection is part of our daily mosaic, and it seems that those who learn to fit the pieces together in a beautiful pattern find that even challenges make sense.

In a perfect world.

In a perfect world, there would be no sickness, no pain, no sin and agony.

The sun would rise on a day of splendor and joy.

The money would not be tight.

The tire would not bust.

The pets would live forever.

Family likewise ❤️ would always remain.

In a perfect world, there would be no suffering.

I have watched my children as they grieve the loss of their father, and am so proud of how they are coping.

In a perfect world, their dad would still be here, and hey .. so would my sister, my Granddad and Grandma, and numerous relatives .. Who now find their residence in heaven.

A few things have come to me the last couple of years.

The pain of tragedy eases differently for everyone.

One day, you feel all will be well and you will make it through the day without sadness.

The next, a song comes on the radio as you drive from point A to point B.

The tears fall.

And that is good.

Other things I have learned ..

Happiness is a choice.

It is a daily decision and it is up to each of us.

There are times when happy makes it to my face (it is obvious to others), and there are times when my face is just .. neither happy nor sad looking.

In a perfect world, a smile would be plastered there. I am learning to give myself grace in this time. That I cannot fix the sorrows, but I can live in love and creativity, and seek the comfort of my Father in heaven.

Choose the positive. Remember the good times. Continue to set goals. Rest when you need to do so. Spend time in nature. Drink well brewed coffee. Be thankful for the little things. Smile as often as possible. Allow yourself to be real as well. Embrace each new day. For this is what makes the ancestors proud.

May flowers bloom again. Life continues, here and hereafter.