Just This Side of Heaven

Soft sunlight slowly brightens the day, and leaf shadows begin to play on the canvas roof of the tent. I come awake to the soft serenade of a songbird, the heady aroma of fresh campfire coffee, and the sizzling of bacon and eggs. I know Grandpa has been up for a while now, but for the next few minutes I lay back, snuggled deep into my sleeping bag, floating gently between the relaxation of a peaceful night under the stars, and the vitality that comes from spending the day exploring the forest. It occurs to me that life may never be quite this perfect again; but for now, I’m here with my family, and the summer stretches out before me like an endless road—no school, no homework, no chores. This is the stuff my dreams will always be made of.