God Surely Smiled and So Did I

Following gymnastics and a quick dinner out, we were heading home. The girls and I were chatting about everything, anything and nothing at all. The clamor consisted of littering, the guy that was running too fast, the lady not wearing a bike helmet, something about turtles and the meaning of the yellow stoplight.

As we made the turn for the home stretch, I saw it. It was the most brilliant sunset I have seen in years. Backed against the Florida sky, were gray blue skies delicately trimmed in orange with rays of golden sunlight stretched between the clouds as if they were mountains. Today, God was surely smiling.

As I pointed it out to my daughters, the youngest remarked that a pair of fluffy clouds in this amazing display of artistry looked just like bears and sure enough – they really did.

The oldest remarked that we must hurry home. I sped up just a little- all while the car fell suddenly silent. Minutes later, we pulled into the drive way. My oldest jumped out of the car and raced to the door. As we made our way in, she quickly disappeared and then reappeared – with paper, markers and an easel in hand.

“I must draw it.” she informed me. “And-we must all sit together and watch it.” she added.

So, there we sat-the three of us at the end of our drive way just watching. My oldest asked, “How do I draw this?”

I replied softly, “Just draw what your heart and eyes see.”

So our oldest began drawing-examining the sky and making absolutely sure she captured the shape and colors of the delicate clouds with just the right marker. Even our cat, George, joined in as he positioned himself in the middle of the quiet crowd.

Ten minutes later, the sun was absent from the horizon and the once bold colors were silenced. I gathered up the supplies and glanced at the beautiful drawing done by a five year old.

As the two were chasing George about the grass, I smiled. Simple things, like a glorious sunset shared with two young daughters, are the most treasured moments. I long, I need more moments just like this one…

And sometimes, as a Mom, in the midst of hectic schedules, endless chatter and the race to maintain a routine, I may see them with my eyes- but often fail to see them, really see them with my heart.

And I am grateful that my oldest didn’t let this one- yet simple- but amazing- moment pass us by.