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Arising on sunlit mornings brings joy to the heart.

The sun shines brightly to start a day.  A little earlier than last week.  A little later than next week.  Unless clouds have slept the night and awakened with the sun to their back.  Then light and heat are diminished.

The sun has been a symbol of awakening for centuries.  Cultures and religions extol the virtues of sunny days and sunny rays.  Sesame street tunes ring in our ear.  Ancient scribe pen tunes of thanksgiving.

Our bodies enjoy the nourishment of vitamins and the emotional lift of a sunlit day.  Neighbours talk to each other, BBQ season is enhanced by the setting of the sun.

We cannot look directly without some protection.  We cannot tame the heat, but merely contain the heat.  The sun light examines dark corners sweeping them with bold colours.

Sun worship is understandable. 

Worship of the sun’s creator . . .

I wonder if we realize what we mean when we say we forgive someone.

For most of us, that is a way of tolerating the current situation.  Things will not change so we will “let go” of bitterness and that gut wrenching offence that keeps us in chains.  We call that forgiveness.

For some of us, this involves an active thrust towards reintegrating the offender into our world.  We overlook the offense.  We attempt to find ways to paint our lives in bright colors with the offender standing hand in hand with us.  We call that forgiveness.

For a very few of us, the offender actively seeks us out and sincerely atones for the wrong they have done.  We are drawn into their world.  We see the perspective that has led to this heart change.  We are released.  We call this forgiveness.

But one thing remains. 

The offense.

Never removed, never erased, always present.

What if the greatest offenses committed could be removed, erased and forgotten?

What if the smallest offense, pictured in our memories, could be removed, erased, forgotten?

What if God could forget?

Our visit to Vegas included a stop at the Valley of Fire.

The park mirrors the beauty of nature. 

• Variations of color. 
• Undulations of rock and sand. 
• Vegetation suited to the surroundings.

Our winter adventure in the park meant the temperatures were merely in the 20 degree Celsius range. 

Of particular note in this park?

The direct sunlight in summer months necessitates the closing of the marked pathways.  As the temperatures rise, the rocks begin to heat.  This parcel of land becomes a literal oven as the mid-day sun shines down.

Where the sun’s rays are direct and scorching, the rocks begin to cook.  Scanning the horizon you see blackened rock.  Small clusters of gravel have been turned the colour of charcoal briquettes.  The soles of you feet would be no match for the burning floor.

A dream destination and a danger trove all wrapped in one.

I do the grocery shopping.

I enjoy the rush of bargains.  Who says adrenaline is not involved in the daily pursuit of the bread of life.

Of course, for the sake of balance (bank balance), I also recognize that the brain must be employed.

But it’s those red stickers and huge posters that invite my attention.  Every once in a while (OK, maybe a bit more often), I just have to pick up that bargain. 

If the tag says 50%, my reasons for buying are easily justified.  If only 10%, then the whole grocery basket had better be included. 

Now, don’t tell me that you aren’t tempted as well.

A quick solution?  I haven’t really come up with one. 

The longer approach?  Keep constant track of the inventory of product that you usually use at home.  Know the best before dates on the inventory you have.  Become aware of regular pricing of items.  Find out the dates when the freshest produce and most product arrives in store.  Set a general monthly budget and stick to it. 

OK – but 50% off?  I feel the magnetic pull!!!