I had a very strange and very wonderful dream last night. I dreamed that I was sleeping and that I woke up in the bed I had as a boy. I still had my present day mind but I had miraculously traveled back in time to my childhood. I looked down and saw my dog and best friend, Dukey laying curled up by my side. I petted him on the head and smiled. Then I hoped out of bed, pulled on my clothes and walked into the living room. Both of my brothers were there sitting on the couch watching Captain Kangaroo on television. I walked past them and into the dining room. My Nana was sitting at the table and held her arms out to give me a hug. My Mom walked in with my morning bowl of Rice Krispies and gently tousled my hair when I sat down to eat. My Dad was there too looking at me kindly and sipping his morning coffee. I smiled at them all realizing that this must be a dream but that I didn’t want to wake up from it.

It was a simple morning like thousands of others I’d had growing up. Yet, this time I was truly appreciating every moment of it. In my present day mind I was seeing just how precious each second was there. I felt the love that was there too. I felt the love my Mom, Dad, Nana, brothers, and dog had for me. And I felt God’s love too, watching over me each day that I was growing up. I woke up feeling so at peace. I thanked God for that wonderful dream that let me relive that morning again and see it for what it truly was.

Our Heavenly Father loves us all so much. Each day we are given here is His gift to us. Wake up each morning then with a smile on your face and a “Thank You” on your lips. Live each day to the fullest. Share all the love, kindness, joy, and light you possibly can. Do everything you can to make this Earth a little more like Heaven. Then when you have fully lived the day God has given you, curl up in your bed and have sweet and wonderful dreams.

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps. 118:24 NKJV)

By: Joseph J. Mazzella