Moral of the story:

“God formed you with tender love, and just like He loves and cares for you, so He wants you to have the same love and care for another.” — Joseph Girzone

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I woke up excited to begin the day with a breakfast and hike honoring a good friend’s birthday. It was a sparkling morning, and I looked forward to being with special women. I was thankful to be with these friends, but our time included far more highs and lows emotionally than our hike did physically.

Before we’d driven a mile, we learned that a friend’s son-in-law had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq. We were speechless. By the time we gathered for breakfast, we cried and prayed for his precious wife, baby daughter and his extended family. Our grace included thanksgiving for the birthday girl and for the gift of her in our lives.

We enjoyed breathtaking views as we walked and talked about both the great joys as well as the deep heartaches of life. I also shared that a dear family friend, a wonderful young man who along with his brother and parents went on many trips with my husband and me and our daughters while they were all growing up, went into a coma due to complications from illnesses, and had just died. These staggering losses remind me that we need to be grateful for and make the most of the gift of every day of life that we are granted.

I saw the majestic dazzling ocean melting into the endless blue sky, which reminded me of God’s matchless and never-ending power. I also gazed at acres of wildflowers and winding paths, which showed some of God’s creative handiwork in nature. Right next to me, however, were the true masterpieces of God’s creation: friends who are there to share and care in life’s peaks and valleys.

And you can quote me on that.

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached at [email protected] or 537 Newport Center Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.