The People in the Window

When I was a little girl I was always known to be a daydreamer.  It was my escape from the world and reality that I would rather not be living in.  One of my frequent daydreams has actually remained with me through the years.  It's a classic one we all know. I'm the girl out on the street or in the car or bus.  The weather outside is raging and it's either raining or snowing.  You know - the kind of weather that makes you feel cold to the bone no matter what the season is. 

And then you see them.  Smiling people sitting in the little diner enjoying the warmth of the cozy atmosphere.  Or maybe they are home and their loved ones are gathered around for a meal or party.  You see them laughing and sense that you can almost hear them as well.  They might be looking over their shopping treasures, playing a game, or just sitting with heads close together sharing a secret or reminiscing.  In those moments it always seems dark outside and so warm and welcoming as you look in their window bathed in light.  If you try hard enough you can nearly smell the coffee or hear the crackle of a fireplace that is central to the scene.  You can pick out the details of their appearance - the warm scarf around the neck or the twinkle of their earrings as they nod their head in conversation.  I cherish those daydreamy scenes because they evoke a sense of sentimental nostalgia.  They plant the seed of desire for the cozy company of friends and family close in proximity to the starkness outside but light years away from the ache of loneliness or the shiver of  the cold.

So that brings me to today.  I was pleasantly surprised by a chance opportunity to have lunch with my college aged daughter.  We don't often get to steal away those moments to pause and catch up.  As we were sitting in the little local coffee shop that is our favorite, it got really dark and started to pour down rain outside.  It was not the gentle sprinkles of late spring but the hard driving rain of a quick storm.  We were sitting at the tall cafe table in the alcove surrounded by the 3 big picture windows. As I looked up to glance out at the rain I saw the cars slowing at the stop light.  There she was - a girl passing by in a car just looking back at me.  In that moment it struck me as only daydreams that come true really can - we were the people in the window! 

It gave me pause and I took a mental snapshot of that moment.  I was in a cute, cozy little restaurant with my favorite girl.  We were laughing and chatting and enjoying both the atmosphere and each other's company.  We had things to share and giggle about as we enjoyed the sweet taste of the flavor-spiked coffee and hot chocolate that we so enjoy there. 

I know I will cherish this day for a long time.  In our spontaneous, brief moment over lunch we got to be the daydream.  We got to be the people in the window.  I feel blessed!

Be blessed too!