Amy turned four years old yesterday. We had a birthday party for her at the house with a small group of family and friends. She was so excited. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her that wound-up before. It was a blast!! She really enjoyed her self, the cake, the company and (of course) all presents!! I think she has enough play-doh to last her for the next 4 years!!!

Amy is such a big girl now. It’s just amazing. I just love her to death!!

I am so grateful for the practice that I have found in Soto Zen Buddhism. It was taught me to be present with my wife and daughter on a scale that I’ve never approached before. It is a wonderful experience. I think one of the greatest gifts my practice has given me is the ability to be way more open to moment to moment changes that occur in family life and to let go of my attachment to my own agenda. I like to call it “being interruptible”. At any moment, my wife or daughter might ask something of me and I can (for the most part) respond immediately to them without any of the resentment junk that used to be kicked up inside me before. I am really enjoying cultivating an attitude of service at home. I hope that it will someday translate to service outside the home as well.

I can truly say that right now I am grateful for this day, this opportunity to continue my practice. Gassho.