Can I Have S'more?

After Joel came back from Iraq last year he experienced a craving for s'mores. We enjoyed roasting marshmallows on the grill several times last year before the weather got too cold. Jocelyn, because elephants (and four year-olds) never forget, had been begging to do that again since, oh, about December. Joel decided on Sunday to indulge her, so we grilled hotdogs and ate outside.
I have to say, it was one of the best days. So perfect in its simplicity. We just enjoyed leisurely grilling, everyone in the backyard together, gorgeous mountains setting the scene. There was no pressure to impress anyone, no hurry to go anywhere. The kids set up their little camp chairs and the menu: hotdogs, chips, s'mores and not a veggie in sight. The weather was perfect-it is hard to find a day in May in Colorado with no wind. We enjoyed our 'dogs and then proceeded to the real main course: S'mores! Joel is always the grill master, expertly perfecting each marshmallow to a golden brown. He did let each of the kids handle a roasting fork, which they thought was great. The s'mores were delightful, each one a perfect square of overwhelming sugar. Because the roasting was conveniently taking place in our backyard we even had access to ice-cold milk. I personally believe all sweets are improved by the presence of that particular dairy product!
Anyway, it was just one of those "moments". Everyone having fun, just truly enjoying the togetherness. Then it started to rain. You would think that would have immediately ended everything. Instead, we just enjoyed the light drizzle, laughing that Josie had predicted it would rain. It didn't change a thing, if anything it just made it a little more special. And then I realized that is how life is. The more appreciative I am of each thing that I have, of each moment that is taking place, the less likely I am to let it be spoiled by a little rain. When you are focused on the joy, on the positives, then even something that could have potential to be frustrating, (or at the least disconcerting) doesn't even merit notice. Or it may even heighten the experience! There are things that can ruin even the best of moments, those unavoidable torrential downpours. However, usually it only takes a little sprinkle to ruin my parade. I need to be more satisfied with my Savior, more joyful in my salvation, and then I will be able to dance in the rain-or least make my s'mores...