Dotsie, just a reflection...everything you describe in your initial post is what I perceive as an "abundant life". You mention that sometimes you feel like you're losing touch with God in the hectic pace of the day (I feel that way too, far too often), but now I'm wondering if when we immerse ourselves in the abundant life He Himself has given us, aren't we immersing ourselves in Him there too? He's as present in the midst of His own gift of abundant life as anywhere, isn't He? It's just a different facet of our connection with Him. Even the people we meet along the way are part of that connection to/with Him. Many of those encounters enrich our lives so much that the next time we enter into that more formal prayer, we come with even more to celebrate.

My own joy is breaking through...I think the lights are finally back on.