My great niece celebrated her third birthday last weekend. Her loving parents hosted a wonderful gathering for those attending, children and adults alike.

There was a balloonist making balloon creations for the children as well as making giant bubbles to the delight of the young and old.

There were gifts, a piñata, and an amazing spread of delicious food.

I was impressed with my great niece though. She was bewildered by all of the people and activities and giggled in delight to the entertainment.

What seemed most important to her was being hugged by those she knew and watching the activities from the arms of her mom or dad.

Isn’t that what we are called to do in life? To love God and each other? That is where we find meaning. That is what my great niece showed me.

Everything else is simply the cherry on top of the cake.

The noun, rumination, means a deep considered thought about something.

-By Deacon Tom Gryzbek