It is hard to imagine but a few minutes before this picture was snapped, things were not going well.  The dinner table was a prickly place, with complaints about the menu, an inappropriate song, and bossiness about whose turn it was the clear the dishes. 

Yet after the tired mom and dad lifted themselves out of the cantankerousness, and stepped outside, they found comfort in each other's arms. 

It feels good to be loved when you are your best self. When you have handled the situation with aplomb, and served a stellar meal, accolades are a fitting reward. Icing on the cake. The second rainbow in the sky.

But what if instead of cake, you are eating day old bread? What if the clouds are still heavy with rain?

Many of my interactions with John are imperfect. This week I asked him to order glasses for me, and he seemed annoyed at my lack of preference for shape or color. I felt miffed that he was unsatisfied with my lack of opinions. We both barked. 

Feeling wanted when you are unworthy is sweeter than cake right out of the oven. 

Even yesterday's bagels can fill your belly. And a thunderstorm can quench the thirsty garden.