the small space between

The other day, while in my house, I noticed a moment of time that was wonderful.

If I didn’t notice, it probably would have passed along, without returning for a while.

It was the moment when I was packing picture frames and hiding unnecessary furniture in the attic. It was a fleeting moment when my house was ‘sparse’ and I could breathe.

It was similar to when I noticed a garden tucked, tidy and ready for a coastal winter. The strong planters and stone figures were holding their place until spring. Everything was still.

As quickly as I notice this feeling, the kids started dragging the red and green boxes out of storage. Their excitement was contagious and I easily moved to find the Christmas CDs and check the strings of lights.

In a heartbeat, we’d wrapped the house in garland, made sure every tabletop twinkled, and the couches are comfy with puffed holiday pillows.

The stuff was back.

But, I want that moment back…to hold the (empty) space and breathe.