November 30, 2004 - 11:57 p.m. The world becomes really wonderful when we realize that we have a reason to wake up each morning and an excuse why not to go to bed each night. Life is good when we keep trying to stay awake so that we won't miss even one moment. And when we do at last lay our heads on our pillows, we smile to ourselves and give thanks to God that we are so loved. The course of the day may never be easy or pleasant. We may encounter people and situations that make us angry or afraid. We tell ourselves that we lack the necessary resources or talents to move our mountains. Our secret cynicism may threaten to rain gloom on our parade. But we are in fact equipped to face today. We will do our best with what we have, and no one can ask more. Yet we must hold that secret delight close to us like a candle in a dark world. For though it may not be enough to light up a city or even a room, it will be enough for us to see by, and other broken hearts will find us and be themselves illuminated. Our faces must glow with a smile as we awaken each morning and drift off each night: we are so loved. ...before & after...