Enjoyed today with the sun and the glorious ocean. The beach was full of birds — the tugboat penguins, the dive bombing gannets, and the quarreling crows. The old great blue heron stalked the beach fishermen, snatching their bait fish when an opportunity opened. A snowy egret wandered around wearing her yellow high heels, watching the old heron eat a fish, not brave enough to snatch one herself. A mother dolphin and her little one swam, dolphin kicking and porpoising, in the water behind us.

I watched my oldest son and his beautiful family frolic in the ocean, their happy laughter warming my heart. They finally convinced me to be brave and walk out in the ocean with them. Told my granddaughter I would have to sacrifice her to save myself if a shark swam up. Had not walked in the ocean that deep since 1975!

Family is everything to me and I think strong relationships with family and friends are a good basis for happiness. The Bible emphasizes the importance of family as a foundational unit created by God. Scripture highlights roles within families and the need for love, respect, and unity. Bible scripture provides guidance for parents, children, and spouses, teaching us to honor our parents, to love one’s spouse, and to nurture our children. The Bible teaches that family extends beyond blood relations to include those who follow God’s commandments.

We choose things in life that we think will make us happy. We worship the almighty dollar, we try to keep up with the Jones, we climb up the social ladder, we drive the fastest car, wear the latest style clothes, buy a bigger house, all the while seeking the elusive happiness. Happiness is a state of mind. Experiencing pain and sadness teach us appreciate true moments of happiness. Every day is not filled with happiness but the days you experience it are wonderful.

The pursuit of happiness should not be elusive. Happiness is like a wave that rolls you quickly to shore. For a moment everything is right in your world. I think strong relationships with family and friends are a good basis for happiness. Let’s not forget to nurture these relationships, telling our loved ones we love them at every opportunity.

Our families are a source of strength and unconditional love, serving as the foundation of our life and happiness. As Michael J. Fox says, “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”

“Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.” — Albert Einstein