Ideal Days

I'm going to do a follow-up on Anna's wonderful post about ideal days and real days.

When a day turns out even a wee bit like we've planned, we not only call it an ideal day but an idyllic day. We don't get many idyllic days in our lifetimes, but when we do we remember them forever. "Hey! Remember that trip to Disneyland in 1992 when the weather was perfect, the lines were short, and nobody got sick?" or "Honey, remember that day when you and I got a babysitter for the kids and we packed a picnic and went hiking?" or when my daughter says, "Mom, remember that Thanksgiving when you and I set an elegant table together, everyone pitched in and brought yummy food, and the men did the dishes?"

I'm noticing a pattern here. Most of my idyllic days revolve around family and the time we spend together. Now, don't get me wrong, our family is just as crazy as yours: rushing to get to places on time, arguments, house a mess, chaos, sadness, and challenges. But, I don't really remember those horrid times. Amazingly, as the months and years go by, those hard times fade, and the good and idellyic times seem to shine out like warm little suns. Funny how that happens.

I don't think today is going to be anything special. I have laundry to do and a bunch of correspondence to send. I'm attending a political rally, grocery shopping, and making dinner. It doesn't sound like this is going to be one of those "remember when" days. But, you never know--maybe my hubby will surprise me with flowers. The point is, everyday is precious, everything from sunset walks on a beach in Hawaii, to standing in line at the super market. The mundane days build character, the idyllic days nourish the soul.