Long Hollow

I made another quick trip to visit my parents this weekend, accompanied by two of my kids.

I'm grateful it's just a four-hour-drive…grateful my kids want to go with me…grateful for Subway sandwich shops where we can eat relatively healthy, relatively cheap…and grateful that I can do something for my parents for a change…

…grateful we were heading west when the eastern sky turned dark and threatening…grateful for the full rainbow stretched between us and the storm.

But somehow, halfway home, the storm snuck around and reappeared ahead of us, providing a dramatic horizon.

On its outer edge, we veered north, avoiding the rain. Driving parallel to the wall of clouds, we were blessed with a view of a beautiful lightning show without having to deal with blinding rain on a highway. 

Sweet. 

Here are a few other sweet!s from the past week…

Monday: having your friend/neighbor teach your last real estate course; your daughter home and helping with procrastinated chores, like polishing the silver you want to sell; laughing at the Jimmy Kimmel's Blurred Lines video with your son

Tuesday: finishing up your last real estate class; cell phones, so you can talk to your mom even though she's hours away 

Wednesday: a morning walk with your puppies for the first time in several days; a slow day at work so you can study your real estate flash cards; finding a favorite book you've been searching for since you were in 7th grade

Thursday: sitting by your little pond, soaking in the soft breeze and the silence; a day of errands with your daughter; catching up with girlfriends over chips, salsa, and margaritas; being able to chat online with one of your oldest friends, reliving precious memories, despite the miles between you

Friday: news that your dad does NOT have pneumonia; road trips with your kids; watching tons of Jimmy Kimmel videos with your kids

Saturday: waking up in your childhood home, surrounded by memories; spending time with your parents; neighbors who care about your parents; a beautiful sky full of rain clouds, lightning, and dramatic sunsets on your drive home

Sunday: church with your kids; seeing a familiar face you haven't seen in awhile; friends who drop in to visit your parents; help, when you least expect it; hearing from a friend you've been worried about that life has blossomed for her again

I hope you find beauty and blessings even on stormy days!

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you
gotta put up with the rain."

~Dolly Parton