[Editor's note: Sometimes comments get buried or overlooked. Kathy and I did not want you to miss this reflection on our quote from Thomas Merton from cousin, friend, coach, and eighth grade teacher Andrew Vasquez.]

Thanks Kathy for that beautiful quote! This is my second visit to the site. I am enjoying the thoughtful, insightful writing. I wanted to weigh in earlier, but I was short of time (Surprise, surprise!) Besides, the only thing I’ve really wanted to talk or write about is my daughter’s soccer team, which I just happen to coach. Did I mention that we are undefeated? So, how does this fit into a discussion on cultivating a grateful heart? Suffice it to say that I am grateful to have the opportunity to coach, moreover, coach my daughters! I’m grateful that they show me lots of grace and mercy as I rant and rave on the sidelines, still kidding myself that they are actually listening and willing to respond to me in the heat of “battle.” I could go on and on…

What I really wanted to say was that I have found that when I awake in the morning with a “Good morning, I love you, God Bless you Jesus” on my lips and then actively open my eyes, ears and mind to the manifold blessings He is bestowing on me, even just between the place I brush my teeth to when I get to my classroom and face that first wave of 8th graders, I am not only overwhelmed with thankfulness but I just plain enjoy my day more. The day is full and productive, leaving a lingering feeling of completeness and an anticipation of what tomorrow holds. Now, if I could just string a few more of THOSE days together. It all begins with a simple prayer, yet how easy it is to forget, and neglect that first simple acknowledgement of Him. “Good morning, God Bless, I love you!” It is a simple phrase with great power. It works good with grouchy people we share our homes with too!