I DECIDED to do all my Christmas duties early and stay home as much as possible. I admit that one is lucky to be able to do that, but at my age, I think I deserve to relax. The world is not ideal; this country could do a lot better, and we could be kinder all around if we accept that life is a gift, but it must be worked at to make it fair to all.

Yesterday, I saw the sunrise, delicate streaks of orange and yellow on a brightening and expansive sky after a day of rain. The light that it promised and eventually brought was exhilarating to see. Actually, the gentle rain itself of the day before was a gift to the outdoors. The grass grows thicker and greener, plants get lush, and even birds who hide silently in the trees when it pours start singing after. Nature is part of our gift of life for all, and we should remember that and protect it as it was given. Contemplating Nature brings appreciation to be living. Look where you can, be it a horizon or a body of water, or a small patch of green in the middle of the street, or greenery along a fence, the width of the sky, wherever it is. Nature is not just plants, but water, mountains, stones, animals — and human beings too.