I was thinking recently about how wonderful life can feel, alongside the parallel awareness of how precariously poised it truly is. While walking with my spouse as the sun was setting, as the hills gradually relinquished their hold on a fading amber hue of light, I said, "Can you believe we get to experience this?". Not as a reference to that moment alone, but the moments together. To the ongoing momentum of the time we feel so fortunate to have together.

To have friends, a home, our beloved pet at our side, a moment of laughter with a neighbor, the warmth of a cup of coffee complementing the warmth of a sunrise... such moments feel idyllic. Yet, they can pivot beneath us at any moment for any number of reasons.

That is what makes it all so significant and noteworthy. That it's transitional —that no one moment will last forever —that it could change with little or no warning, it's inevitable.

How might we navigate an impending change in the prevailing winds? Will we discard the recognition and gratitude for joyous experiences behind us when the present moment brings feelings of loss, heartache, pain, or grief? Or can we accept what is beyond our control as gracefully and with the same gratitude for life we typically reserve for the "good" moments?

As these thoughts arose, I recognized them as a source of joy and gratitude. If everything were always perfect, if we never struggled, aged, ached, or longed for contentment, would there be any value in this experience at all? Is it possible to maintain a consistently healthy, balanced perspective throughout all of life? Is there any greater challenge?