Surrounded by nurturing friends and family, it's easy to take the power of touch for granted. But some folks don't live in loving families; some folks don’t live in any family. Can you imagine what it would be like to never experience the touch of another person aside from a doctor or caregiver? When Clowns on a Mission came to Guatemala, they proved that a simple hug, paper flower, or gentle touch is sometimes all it takes to lift a spirit that longs for nothing more than a bit of kindness and connection…. even if just for a moment.

The longer I live, the more in love with God I fall. One of the reasons is His unrelenting determination…

If my reach is tentative, will He still take my hand? If my steps are hesitant, will He still direct my path? If my heart is fearful, will He still embrace it?

We remember the magic moments, the special things that take us away - out of ourselves and our daily routines - and transport us to another place.

We remember what made our hearts race, what made us smile, and laugh, the things that made us feel different than any other part of our life did....

Over the next several weeks, I will be publishing a series of random "perspectives" on various topics inspired by Beyond a Broken Heart, a collection of writings I had published several years ago about moving through and recovering from loss.

From the highest railroad tunnel in North America, to an old mining camp with incredible views, to a challenging trail to Aspen, the main thing we learned was that our first mountain vacation would definitely not be the last! Until then, here's to finding the beauty that constantly surrounds us...if we only take the time to notice.