Family ties; family trees

I had a remarkable afternoon, yesterday, spending time with my nephew, Ken, who is an historian of the finest kind.  I make that statement with some bias, to be sure and yet what makes Ken so unique and special is that he is passionate about the story that lies underneath the facts.  He shared with me history from my mother's - his grandmother's - father's life that were just amazing.  He has developed all kinds of resources and networks that he can tap into to check on names, dates, addresses, occupations, births, draft status, etc.  I knew he was/is a gifted intellect; I just didn't have such a clear picture of his passion for the narrative.  Bless you, Ken - for the gift you are giving to all of our extended family.  Thank you!
The mountains of Southern California are snow-dusted (well, more than dust, thank you very much!) this morning and the air is crisp and clear.  How Nature does bestow her love upon us all - keeping us moist and washing out the sky, washing down the trees, roofs, streets and of course, bringing much needed water to the places where ducks and geese can swim and . . . well, I am just so grateful to have my eyes opened to see, and my heart opened to receive, the love that bestows itself upon us every moment of every day.
Last Sunday's talks at Common Ground (yes, talks - two ministers, two talks each service) concentrated on the truth that no matter how much we give love, if we don't have the capacity to receive love in return, pretty soon our love well runs dry.  And, of course, one of the most obvious ways to receive love is to look at the world around us.  And, oh, how much I do love you - Earth - and how you do show me how you love me!
Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!
Thanks for it all!