Fifteen Minutes

Fifteen minutes. Such a tiny amount of time in the whole realm of things. And yet, it can be a powerful, productive, even important bit of time. I lose track of such things because I tend to be a big-picture kind of person. I look for the grand gesture and miss the tiny miracles. So today I am focusing on fifteen minutes. 

Fifteen Minutes:

1) the amount of time I tickled Ahren's back while he fell asleep at nap time. Oh how soft and smooth his skin is, and the most luscious color! I want to eat him up. Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping child?

2) the number of minutes it takes to drop off 900 children, in an orderly fashion, at my son's school. It blows my mind that this is even possible. I would not believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. One bus drop off point and one car-rider line, no chaos.

3) the length of time it takes me to get ready and out the door, looking passably presentable. Now that is a miracle (and anyone who wants to burst my bubble about the presentable part? Go away!)

4) the number of minutes it took for me to mail a package of hand-me-down clothes to a child who I have never actually met but who has captured my heart.  Here's to the Brave Hero and his wonderful family!

5) the length of conversation I had today with my dear, sweet friend Gabby.  Oh how that girl can make me laugh. If she only knew I have incontinence problems after several birthing experiences.....

6) how long it took me to pack Levi's bag to go spend two days and one night with his father at the deer lease. Oh how my heart swells to think of the father-son bonding they will have and also how horribly empty the house will feel without them. 

7) the time I wish I could spend hugging my sweet sister today. She left me a voice mail the other day that made me cry. Not in a bad way, but in an 'I love you, know what you are going through, I am here for you' way. 

8) once EVERY fifteen minutes I think about Ashley and miss the holy tar out of that girl. I can barely breathe when I think about her because it hurts so much that she lives 4 hours away with her father. She is doing great, he is a fantastic Dad, I have no complaints. I just miss her. Horribly. All The Time!!!

What does fifteen minutes mean to you?