The renovated old chapel beside the quaint Ocean Grove police station was brightly lit as we gathered with dear friends from years gone by. The driving journey of nearly nine hours had left this host of PD symptoms stiff and achy, yet joyful to be present for this gathering celebrating the 500^th anniversary of Martin Luther’s igniting act initiating the Reformation. Our host patiently pointed out the memorabilia he had collected over the last few years, many of the items dating back 400 years or more. The amazing journey of a self-deprecating cleric from a place of nearly constant despair in the throughs of his ignorance to a place of praise and rejoicing at the cure that emerged from his drinking from the well of knowledge and accurate interpretation is uplifting to anyone willing to learn. History has so many lessons from which we may learn if only we take the time to dwell for even short periods in the knowledge of past that enlightens the lens of the present. The weekend was filled with sharing, caring, and renewing as we looked into the journey of Luther through the lens of scripture, grace, and faith. Filled with gratitude and peace at what we experienced and learned. We undertook the journey back to the farm having been blessed on that shore in New Jersey. Thankfulness fuels our thoughts as we travel this highway of life in the brightness of the Creator’s love!

The winds were steadily blowing from the west as we sailed through the Straights of Gibraltar into the North Atlantic. A stop tomorrow in the Canary Islands will be the kick off of our seven day journey across the ocean to our Florida destination. Sleep disturbance has become the norm as a general 3:00 a.m. awakening starts a time of reflection not warranted but nonetheless present. Maintaining a steady presence while unwillingly hosting bothersome PD symptoms, this sometimes shaky but thankful participant engages every opportunity interacting with and meeting new people. We have met delightful people from South Africa, various regions of Canada, Estonia, and even a few from the US (the majority of fellow travelers). Resort hosts, investment brokers, a radio personality, an anesthesiologist, a radiologist, a general medicine practitioner, and multiples of retired and semi-retired people have each given meal time and social interactions a richness as so many have shared from their hearts about what is meaningful to each life.  Children, grandchildren, spouses, parents and just plain FAMILY have taken center stage even in the grand theater as much as the luncheon and dinner conversation. Gratitude has lifted this heart and mind above the otherwise stewing cauldron of political extremism, reactionary fear, or blind ignorance to a place of thankfully expressing the Maker’s love through seized opportunities. This hour and these minutes are what is now before each of us. We have the opportunity to make each count for good!