One practice of the faith -- indeed, one of the most important! -- is to receive the blessings of this day. That requires stopping, sitting, becoming open to God's presence and God's gifts that come to us new each day.

This morning, for me, a blessing is that I have no schedule! I sit on the back porch, the warm weather and the end of pollen another blessing. I look out at the heavily wooded back yard, hearing the birds. Then I close my eyes. I simply listen. What wondrous sounds -- of birds that I had not heard when my eyes were open! Why is that? Does my sense of sight provide distractions to my sense of hearing? The cacophony of many species of birds, enjoying the early morning of a spring day! What joyful blessing from God on this day.

I think I'll eat some breakfast and then spend a couple of hours on my road bike, celebrating the blessing of a healthy body on this day. Being attentive to the gifts of God on this day. None can be taken for granted. Receiving them and celebrating them in faith leads to a response: praise of God the creator!