There's an art to everything,

And in everything there is art,

If you look for it closely enough.

It is said that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," but you've got to take the time to behold the beauty that exists all around us.

As you do so, don't take it for granted that it'll always be there. Let that be an excuse for you to take time out of the daily routine of your busyness to appreciate and enjoy your surroundings.

When you look at all that's around you,

Take the precious moments of your life to notice special stuff, like stopping and smelling the roses. Don't be in such a hurry to pass by what the Good Lord has made for us to appreciate.

In gratitude for God's gift of life to us, we should share that gift with others. The art of giving encompasses many areas. It's an outgoing, overflowing way of life.

In that vein, there's an art to giving and receiving:

- Give your best generously, but also receive graciously. That last part is difficult to do: not only receiving, but receiving graciously. Take It from one who knows.

- As you let that sink in, let me say a few somethings about the first part.

- The best you can give is of yourself.

- We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the heart: such as love, kindness, understanding, sympathy, empathy, tolerance, and forgiveness, not necessarily in that order, just to name several.

- We also give of ourselves when we share ideas, ideals, dreams, plans, even poetry, etc.

- Also when we give the gift of words: encouragement, inspiration, guidance, helpful suggestions, even constructive criticism (done in love).