The other photo is of a fossil crab that they gave me. It is a beautiful little thing from the late Miocene period. It's claws are outstretched as it were still alive after so many years. The species is no more which is a reminder that the beautiful creatures of the past were once scuttling along the ocean's bottom. I wonder if someone in the future will find the picture with all the signatures and marvel that someone once studied that creature which has become extinct.
At the rate we are destroying habitats and species, those days may not be as far off as one would imagine. Back when the little crab was alive, there was really just the climate to worry about and whether food was available. Things are much more complicated now.
There are some other gifts from this day. One of them was the glorious sunrise this morning. I woke up early to see the sun just start to rise. Another day full of promise ready to start.
Every day is a gift that is free to me. It is good to have the day ahead that is wide open to what I want to do. Hoping your Saturday is filled with opportunities for enjoyment, peace and service to others. Take care of the gift for it is indeed precious.
Syd...THAT is humility--to know and profess that everything I have is a gift. I did not earn it. And I am grateful also for all which God hath wrought PLUS an opportunity to help another alcoholic and/or human.
ReplyDeleteWondering if it is painful, a relief, or a mixture--leaving your career of so many years...especially now, with the gifts, awards, and honors stuff.
Wow, to be the first to write in response to your post about your Sabbatical. Nice coincidence that today is Saturday.
ReplyDeleteYour larger Sabbatical will become just about whatever you wish to, Syd. That you have the freedom and invitation to return to your vocation... as an emeritus... is a surprise gift. You might end up deciding you want to use it.... Having choices is always wonderful.
some great tangible things to look back on with fond memories...
ReplyDeleteeach day is a gift, i hope you enjoy yours...
You have met a lot of wonderful people in your career Syd.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the gifts.
I'm thinking that part of your retirement plan should be to take more pictures. maybe take a class where you learn to do your own developing. you have a talent there that you can explore further.
ReplyDeleteYou are right every day is a gift.
ReplyDeleteYou mean you have a marine critter names after you??? Wow! :o) I am impressed!
ReplyDeleteSyd, happy retirement! What a blessing you obviously are to so many lives.
awesome post havent been by in a while, glad to stop by and see the sunrise
ReplyDeleteThanks...I was feeling the day had been gift when it began to downpour during the only time I had available to fill my last raised bed with soil. But, wow! The gift is so evident when I look exactly where I am today. Precious!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that. I needed the reminder...
ReplyDeleteI unofficially took early retirement 2 years ago and went back to school. I now have the knowledge and experience of 48 years to help me on my new path. I am much better prepared than I was at 20. I think it will be fun. I hope it is for you too. Who knows what is round the bend for us. You have made a HUGE contribution to the world of marine science. Wow. The world is truly your oyster now....
ReplyDelete♥namaste♥
each day is a gift indeed, after the hell we've endured
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely post. Not everyone has a marine critter named after him. That's something. To have your work leave such a lasting imprint.
ReplyDeleteThanks Syd, your words are a great reminder to stop, and take a deep breath and give thanks for the beauty that surrounds us. Just stopping is the hard part, once you do, gratitude normally follows, I find!
ReplyDelete