Gratitude for living on a magnificent planet

April 1. A new month. A new beginning. And we are in a new place far from where we normally live. Enjoying our family time. Enjoying being together. Enjoying having quality time together outside of our norm.
We woke up on Saturday morning as I said before to the sound of new bird songs. To the sound of new beginning. Of a place yet to be explored. With excitement and anticipation we went about exploring our surroundings. Retracing our drive across the dark roads we had been lost on on Friday night. Only to discover that in the daylight, the roads were more beautiful, magical and spectacular than we ever imagined.
The little bridges we had crossed spanned the top of scenery that went beyond our imaginations. We were oohing and aahing at every turn. Even my 14 year old son who is not impressed by much at his age was commenting about the picturesque and enchanting scenery we were seeing.
The coastlines contrasted against the harsh and lush mountains. Rivers against tall and majestic trees. Waterfalls breaking through the green peaks of the mountains. Think Jurassic Park and you will begin to imagine the scenery we were experiencing.
We drove some more. Just following the road to wherever it took us on our enchanting journey. Getting out when we came across a cave under thousands of feet of mountains above it. We walked into the dark cave. The light disappearing as we walked into it. Feeling the presence of the water that had smashed its way into the rock, eroding it away until it had a place to go. Understanding the power of the ocean. Respecting the power of nature.
Turning to walk back out of the cave, having to adjust our eyes to the light. And thinking wow the darkness really comes to remind us to appreciate the light. To appreciate what we have right in front of us. That which we take for granted until it is no longer there. Only to appreciate it when it returns.
Walking to a little canteen on the side of the road where we ordered shaved ice made from fresh pineapple, coconut. Against the backdrop of the crashing ocean behind us. Waves large enough they could swallow us whole without even a thought -  if we so dared enter it.
Looking forward and seeing the ocean. Looking backward and seeing the mountains. Glorying in the ability to experience nature in its raw and natural form. Grateful to have the means and will to want to explore the world. To see what it has to offer. To step outside the norm to give ourselves the time to just be and to explore. Forgetting about the day to day and losing ourselves in the magic of the moment.
Looking at my children, my husband. Seeing the wonder and awe on their faces. Away from computers. Away from worries. Seeing them frolicking in the abundance of what we have and feeling absolute joy and gratitude for all that we have, all that we are. All that we will be. Seeing life through their eyes and the bountiful nature surrounding us.
Despite the pouring rain, the red mud covering us, the wind, the less than perfect conditions for our first day of exploring, I am so grateful for understanding that perfection often is at its best in imperfection. Allowing me to accept in that moment I am perfect, as is my family, in my imperfect way. As is my family. As are we all perfect in our imperfect ways. Perfection in our imperfection.
Enjoying every moment of our special time in enchanting and soul lifting Kauai.
Grateful to know we truly live on a magnificent planet. One where the wonders never cease to amaze when we are open to receive and see the gifts, treasures and abundance it has to offer. Namaste