An Ordinary Moment

We are gathered here in the family room, lights on in the middle of the day, to stave off fear from a severe thunderstorm, the midday darkness not fitting for a July afternoon.

Within minutes, the fear dissipates into laughter, as BigBro opens the K'nex box and starts putting a roller coaster together. LilBro confiscates the coaster piece and begins racing it agains the motor piece.

"Ready, set go!" He yells, as he zooms the pieces across the area rug, one hand on each piece, guiding their progress.

BigBro gives orders to Princess. "I need the puffy purple piece. Ok, now, I need a long blue rod."

DH sits on the other side of the couch, happily exploring the iPhone-land and its never-ending app possibilities. And me, I sit tucked in the corner of the couch, laptop on knees, my usual pose.

I pause in thanks and praise. For this moment. For these beautiful children. For this generous husband. For shelter from the storm. For quiet play on a rainy day.

For the awareness and the blessing of it all.