It’s Monday . . . again! Isn’t it amazing that God gives us a new day, a new week, a new beginning and a second chance? As I begin this week, I usually think about what lies ahead, but it doesn’t hurt to look back at little victories – new memories made – old memories restored and laughed about. Here’s a list of some of the things that ran through my mind as I woke up this morning.

• I wondered if I had awaken in the middle of the night. It was 6:30 AM, but the sky was still semi-dark. By the time I finished taking my pills, brushing my teeth and all the other start-of-the-day business, the sun was peeking through the clouds, creating a pink and golden masterpiece. Thank you God, for sunrises.
• I noticed two feral cats sitting in front of the house next door. They were stationed like those concrete statues of crouching lions you often see at an entrance. We haven’t seen much of them this year, with all the road construction going on around us. They were obviously hunting for their breakfast as I saw a cottontail bunny scurry into a bush, alluding their gaze. Thank you God, for protecting these animals and continuing the circle of life.
• A squirrel ventured down the side of our old black, walnut tree, quickly retreating when he witnessed what was going on below. Thank you, God, for life of all kinds.
• I heard a strange noise coming from our bed. It was the sound of loud, mechanical snoring. Thank you, God, for keeping my husband safe and gifting him to me for another day.
• I mentally began to plan my day and week. Another performance to look forward to, which means a rehearsal tomorrow and three shows this coming weekend. I wonder how long I will be able to do this. Thank you, God, for giving me the strength to continue bringing laughter to others in a somewhat unfunny world.
• I thought about last week and the fun we had with my sister and her husband, along with our own children. Thank you, God, for family and memories old and new.
• I wondered about the government shutdown and discovered that it has been averted. I am grateful for this, because it would have affected so many people. Thank you, God, for America, even though she has been sullied by politics, you are still in control.
• I thought about what I would write about today, and realized that I already had. Thank you, God for all your blessings. You give us all a reason to carry on.