Saturday, July 28, 2012

Summer Days

Ahhhhh! Summer! Lazy days, watermelon, swimming, sunburns, weekly reader, homemade ice cream and HEAT...HOT HOT HOT. Geez I remember growing up in Phx where we ran around all day with no shoes. The sidewalks were so hot they say you could fry an egg on them! But we did it anyway...skipping from yard to walk or any patch of grass we could find yelping ouch! ouch! ouch! all the way to the Circle K on the corner. It was worth it, though, looking for pop bottles we could turn into the store to buy penny candy: black licorice, bazooka, and red hot fireballs. After the clerk assessed our finds and made a fair exchange we hopped and ran home cramming as many sticks of black licorice into our mouths as we could at one time. Our teeth and tongue would be blaaaaaack! The finish line was a mad dash into the back yard and a jump into the pool. Then it was a race to see who could hold their breath the longest under water or who could swim down to the drain and back up the fastest.  At the end of the day we would come inside with sunburned shoulders and a bright red nose.
 Oooo those were the days....I sound like someones grandma! penny candy, pop bottles, weekly readers?
I can't believe how time flys. My childhood is becoming more vague as I get older and the freshest memories are when my children were little. You are a child for such a small part of your life. If we only could of grasped that then, we probably wouldn't have been in such a hurry to grow up.
The Bible tells us to come as a little child into the Kingdom of God. Why do you suppose He requests that of us? Could it be the trusting faith that a small child has and the full dependence on his guardian? Or is it the joy that comes with being  free from responsibility! Maybe its because we are wide-eyed and full of wonder, ever so curious and teachable.... Maybe its because our countenance is so adorable and peaceful...maybe its because we love unconditionally.Could it be that we are less inhibited...we will sing or dance or draw a picture with no critical afterthought.
God knew when He created us that these first years of life would be a model for us to believe, trust and love a Heavenly Father. He says He can do all things. Nothing is too difficult for Him. What is impossible with men is possible with God. He will never leave us or forsake us. Can I believe Him? The One who got down on His knees and shaped man from the dust of the earth and then breathed life into him? Every other created thing was spoken but God knelt down and formed man, then gave man his very life through His own breath.  He is the epitome of a Father. What  your earthly father was unable to give Jesus can more than give you.  Help me to be as a little child.
My children are grown but I now have grandchildren to remind me of a small child's innocent attributes. With much patience, love and just the enjoyment of delighting in their very presence, I understand more this time around about how the Father sees me. I do not get angry when my grandchildren throw a fit or don't share or look at me with that "I didn't do it" look. I just redirect and then mostly smile and think to myself about the preciousness of their very existence and their responses to my overwhelming love for them. I've built a relationship with them and they can trust me, love me and just have fun with me. I am never disappointed in their behaviour or their attempts to vie for my attention. I just plain love them. I can see the unique gifts and talents already revealing themselves through their play and interests and encourage them in that direction. It is God's beautiful opportunity to remind me of His love and relationship with me!
Matt. 19:14 "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven"
1 Kings 3:7b ... I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil."

1 comment:

  1. Ahhhhh, the joy of being a grandparent....I love it

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