Most every day as part of my morning rituals I spend a little time stretching and waking up in the bathroom before I shower.

In the dark; heater on; on my smartphone, a little reading; a bit of writing, too.

The room gets warm quickly; definite blessing in these winter months.

I like the whole ritual.

And then I think of people in Gaza; in Altadena; in parts of Syria; in Pacific Palisades; in parts of Lebanon, & Israel.

Do they have a warm place to start each day?

Are they able to get warm?

Simple questions, big complicated answers.

In this moment and in so many others when those folks come to find…

I’m grateful for warmth.