A sigh--not in sadness or weariness, but in relief

On Saturday my friend sent a message saying she was going on a last minute walk--would I like to join?  We've both been busy with our moves approaching and life in general so our walks haven't been happening like they used to.  I said yes and as I walked through the hallway to get my shoes on I had this perfect moment of pause in my brain.  Like someone had literally pressed a pause button for me. 

During that pause I heard the dishes being washed by Mike. I recalled the minutes spent in the kitchen moments before with Piper listening to her chatter about everything in her brain. I heard Isaac in my bathroom taking a bath with his book playing in the background before he headed out for a date and to go to a mission call opening for his buddy. I thought of Eli getting himself up early on that Saturday morning to catch a bus to school for a mock AP test followed by lunch and hanging out with his buddies.  I saw Felicity laying in the warm pocket of light in the living room with her little "blankie" that she's had since a baby, half-naked, earphones on while watching a show on her kindle. 

The pause was like a heavenly sigh.

I have a good husband who serves as such a perfect partner for me.  Present in our home.  Helpful without prompting.  Supportive, and unresentful of me exercising and being with a friend.  *sigh*

My kids are responsible, safe, involved in good things. Happy, eager to share their lives with us but independent and secure--their time away from home well spent.  *sigh*

In all the busy, full, and complicated moments of life it felt really simple in that moment. Saturday chores, mindless but meaningful conversations, opportunities to both rest and grow.  *sigh*

An expression of relief and contentedness.