Put Another Nickel In

Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there's nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. ~Lao Tzu

I went to my parents' house Sunday past for Papa's birthday dinner. I learned how to make lemon meringue pie and baked one the day before for him to enjoy - and me too. We love lemon meringue pie. It was a wonderful afternoon with family. I think at some point my sister or someone said it was raining outside. I thoroughly enjoy rain, so I peeked out the window and saw it was a bright summer downpour of huge drops. I couldn't resist running outside barefoot to play and dance in it - to feel it and breathe it in.

My niece was hot on my heels as we rushed outside, knowing that storms like that don't typically last long where we live. I soon persuaded my other little nieces and a nephew, who were huddled in the garage watching it, to come join me outside. The air was warm and the cool drops were enormous. It seemed as though each falling drop was deliberately thrown down from the sky to reach us with gusto!

I took the hands of my 4-year-old nephew and we danced together in the rain. Then others joined and we all frolicked about together, filled with the purest joy. I was so humbled to be in the presence of all those happy children for those five minutes or so. To see the happiness on their faces and feel the rain on my skin and hear the drops as they made contact with the earth - all while the evening sun shone in the western sky - was heaven.

I love heaven, especially when I am blessed to connect with here it on earth.