Bright moments in the rushing day

I sat on the warm step next to my neighbor as we watched our boys play together in the cul de sac. For the first time in several months the sun imparted real warmth. It was a joy to be outside. In the back of my mind all the many tasks assigned to this day jumped and clamored for attention. If I spread all those tasks out in an even line, there would not be enough day left to contain them all. I squeezed them all to the back of my brain, out of sight. Quiet, pleasant moments such as this one have been rare lately. I wanted to savor it, to spend a moment being rather than rushing.

I’ve not done much reading lately. I haven’t had time or space in my thoughts. But today I finally picked up the book that I ordered from Anthology Builder months ago. I’m so glad I did. I’m even more glad that I included “Sunday” by Alethea Kontis in the collection. The story was a delightful weave of fairy tales and real human beings. I recommend it to anyone who has the chance to pick it up. The story made me happy.

I watched my backyard neighbors two youngest children tonight. Her baby girl was not pleased to be left, but quieted down when I sat in a rocking chair and snuggled her into my lap. Sitting there with her made me realize that none of my children are truly lap sized anymore, even though I still snuggle them from time to time. I rocked and held her close. She needed me to sit still, to give her full attention and she is not old enough to understand “wait a minute.” I relaxed into the rocking and realized how glad I was to have a reason to just sit still.