A stroll was all I needed on this warm Thursday evening. I wanted to clear my head from this long work week. I was trudging along the dull grey sidewalk as it began to rain. Five seconds went by and it started to pour. I started picking up the pace and turned to head back home.

While turning into the block where I lived, I could hear laughter and screaming. A joyous scream. A scream that I couldn’t help but discover what was happening to cause such a noise. As I casually scooted closer, I noticed three older girls jumping in puddles and splashing each other in this rainwater.

First thought, how immature are they? Then I saw the joy filled expressions on their faces and confronted the judgmental thoughts in my mind. I was nothing like them. But what if I wanted to be them? Just to try and change it up for once to see what it’s like. I don’t remember the last time I screamed like that.

So I nervously scooted closer and smiled. I think I just met the happiest person alive, I thought to myself. When they noticed me and asked if I’d like to join in. I shrugged and answered, “Sure!” I mean why not? So I did what they did. We made a mess of ourselves, but wow was it worth it!

Everyone on this Thursday evening was rushing to get out of the rain, while these girls and me were excitedly jumping in it. Who knew that an evening of happy people was all I needed for a change in pace.