Renewing a Commitment

I choose to begin again at 1.
Because this year will be different.
This year I will count - just three gifts a day - to 1000.

The graces from last year's attempts were significant, but this is a fresh start.
And so I begin with 1.

1. A new commitment
2. Health restored
3. Compassion for those who are hurting
4. The brisk, cold air
5. A warm fireplace
6. Soft, warm, rolls on a plate
7. "Never Ever Give Up" uttered by a dying 12 year-old
8. "Can I help?" spoken by a stranger
9. "I love you, daddy" whispered by a daughter
10. Sheri's laughter
11. Alexander's new life
12. Warm, sunny skies in January
13. Reading The Dance of the Dissident Daughter
14. Warm, sweet oatmeal
15. Returning to a desk of good work after a long vacation
16. The phone that makes the distances seem shorter
17. The crisp, cold juice of an apple
18. Ella's extra kisses as she climbed out of the car
19. Finley's face on Skype
20. A call from my dad
21. An incredible gift from Chris
    
22. Light gleaming below a baptismal bowl
23. Sunlight through stained glass
24. My dog lying in the shadow of mini-blind slats, warm and peaceful
25. Warm tea in my hands
26. Ben's computer expertise
27. Walking with purpose