Today the ocean was gentle. The lullaby of waves lulls me, as the ripples lazily lap to shore and it is that exquisite shade of turquoise, so clear that you can see the shells under the surface. Collecting shells is my holiday pastime. I can be consumed for hours; they are all such beautiful little miracles. I have been finding shells and stones shaped like hearts.

Stones that have been tumbled and caressed, then set on a journey to the shore for discovery.  These pieces of love that catch my eye along the sand allow me to recognize the magnitude of small moments. How we treat people around us. The time we spend together. The opportunities for kindness, the moments of intimacy, an encouraging word, a hug, listening, truly listening without distraction. Love resides in these small moments.

It is in these details of a life lived in the abundance of love that will sustain us over time. The hearts of stone and shell remind me that love is everywhere. We just have to be open to it.