And We're Off! (Tuesdays Unwrapped)

Well, not really. It's our official first day of summer vacation and I'm sitting here in relative silence while T. Bone and Miss Bit snooze on. The only sounds in the air are my fingers tap, tap, tapping the keyboard, the blue jay bully squawking somewhere in the yard, and the chippies chattering away from the safety of the wood pile. It's a cool, gray morning perfect for catching up on sleep or writing.

After T. Bone's baseball game on the BIG field last night, which I am happy to report did not get rained out and unhappy to report was lost, we let the kids stay up watching T.V. in our bed until quite late. I now confess that was my well designed plan to ensure that this Tuesday morning would commence in the same manner in which I am accustom: coffee, computer, quiet. The cloud cover...well, it's surely a bonus.

There is something about a skyful of clouds that simply speaks to my soul. The threat of rain keeps me inside where it's warm and dry, but it's more than just seeking shelter from the storm. It's an invitation to retreat to my interior, to prod, uncover, delve, and to sit in silence with the heaviness in my heart. I'm drawn in to listen...to really hear. It is in the calm before the storm that I can see clearly and feel intuitively the truths that sustain me. Yes, I am alive. Indeed, life is hard, but good. Without a doubt the sweet moments out number the bitter bites of this beautiful life. The rain will eventually come to clear the heavy air rife with thickness and thunder. The cleansing tears will fall and wash away the sharpness of my fear, regret, sorrow, and shame. Even before the sun once again shines, I will have renewed resolve to be alive...fully alive. And it's a good thing too because it is our first day of freedom, and I want to be present, plugged in and even joyful in every little moment.