Through the Eyes of a Child

Proverbs 20:12" The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made them both."

I just spent several days trying to observe life through the eyes of a child. Its amazing when I try to see and hear and think on their level; perspective changes.

My two youngest grandchildren are amazing! Maybe because I am older and my eyes have seen a lot and my ears have heard enough; observing the innocency of small children seems educational. After a weekend with them, I felt like I have renewed eyesight this a.m.

My little Savannah is 10 months. She's so adorable, so innocent, so needy and dependent. I soaked up every hug, every smile and every peekaboo. I should have kept a momentary journal of her mood swings! One moment she was indulging me; the next frowning and pushing me away!  We call her "Princess" because she's all girl feelings and emotions.  I stayed on her roller coaster; trying to please her and read her and see through her big beautiful eyes how she was interpreting life.  She used me;  batting her long eyelashes and flashing a cute smile even while a crystal teardrop glistened on her tiny cheek. I was smitten and amused.  I wasn't consistent with "the look"  or the reminding warning of " Savannah Grace"! but her mama is. It gets that little girl's attention and adjusts her focus quickly!

Oh yes , Lord! I see me in her! I know I tend to live by my feelings. I make decisions by them. I wake up to changing emotions and go to bed with them often ruling me. And I'd like to think I don't try to manipulate. But I fear I do. And you are patient with me.   Thank you, Lord, for giving me "the look" when I need it. I appreciate the "attitude adjustments".

My two year old grandson is learning to express himself verbally. We all were treated to a never ending barrage of expressed thoughts most of his waking moments. He's loving the fact that he can shock us by that. We've learned that " I don't like Jesus" and lots  of things are "nasty".  He doesn't hesitate to inform us that he is very capable of doing things himself.  He also discovered that beds were made to jump on (even though his parents disagree) and the candy dish holds a treat that is worth disobedience.  He tried to ride a bicycle and crashed when he was feeling "tough".  And then he can say the sweetest "yuv you's" when he's having a tender moment.  What a bundle of independence and energy!  He keeps the "big people" alert and moving!

Lord, I can see how my actions could alarm you at times!  And I can feel you right there prodding me not to speak my thoughts!  Thank you for being the Big Person that shadows me and for picking me up and brushing me off when I crash.  I am tempted to indulge myself. Thank you for reminders to get my hand out of the candy dish!  Your hugs mean so much and you let me come back with an "I love you" when I've been independent and I'm needing loved.

Pawpaw and I were sweetened by bunches of hugs and kisses; enough to hopefully last for a few long distance weeks.  I can still feel them. Those little souls in training are not far removed from me and life.  Seeing things through the eyes of a child makes me appreciative of God's patience with me. I love those tiny two more than I can express. And I know He loves me.  We sang "Jesus loves me" with Easton  just days ago. A good reminder for me, as well!

Barns of Plenty

 

Proverbs 3:3-4: "Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty."

I love the Fall season.  Percy Shelly quoted: " There is a harmony in Autumn." I agree. There's something about the colors of harvest that are harmonious and soothing. When I experience autumn, I feel like my spirit is being beautifully blended and rounded out from the fullness and busyness of summer and coming into restfulness. There is such satisfaction in knowing you have the barns full and you are prepared for winter.

Barns belong to the fall season. There is just something about the vibrant colors of the harvest overflowing from the barn that is inspirational and calming.

I feel like God paints a special picture with the fall colors this time of year to reward us. Today, I was outside watching the leaves fall and feeling the autumn wind. Yesterday, I crunched across the dry, fallen leaves thinking I should be melancholy about the passing of warm temperatures and I wonder if I will miss the sound of the lawn mower. But I am content with the change. And I ponder: how can the death of spring and summer generate such peace?

I am reflecting on fall colors and their meaning. And somehow the emotions that harvesting colors arouse within me seem very meaningful.

My favorite color is red so I search for it in the changing trees. When I spot them, I am energized and impassioned. I will purposely walk or drive by the red trees just for the awesome feeling they invoke. I'm so glad God created the color red.

A bright yellow squash or falling leaf seems cheerful. This color is a happy color and is like sunshine even when the sun's not shining. It gives me a feeling of optimism. I love the feeling of hope in the yellows.

The oranges give me feelings of warmth on cool days. This color causes me to reflect and think, just as the orange flames of the fire will cause me to curl up and ponder. The color orange is a blend of red and yellow, toning down the energy of both, generating a feeling of balance.

Every now and then the color purple eases through the tinges of autumn. When I see it, I am pleased. The color is so rare because the dye was originally extracted from a scarce family of shellfish. It is a royal hue and beautiful to the eye. I love it when I am surprised by a thrust of purple into the more vibrant colors. Its like a little gift of God.

With all the brightness of these colors, the real beauty of the picture lies in the browns interwoven among them. This is a necessary color to ground the combination. It reminds me of the foundations of the earth where the roots of all this beautiful harvest lies.

Add a blend of greens throughout and you have the perfect balance of tranquillity and beauty. Such healing to the spirit. I believe it is God's reminding splash of grandeur before he phases us into the quietness and solitude of Winter.  Even then, we still have our barns of plenty to fill us in the seasons of no life. When our vision despairs of the whites, blacks and grays, all we have to do is go and open the barn door and gather.

The cycle of life is wondrous! We plant,  we tend; we reap, we are filled. We honor the Lord; our barns are full. Provisions for soul, mind and body all in this continuous cycle of life. Today I feel grateful and blessed.

Thank you, Pastor

Proverbs 22:11  "He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for a friend,"

I really don't know why it is so hard to be "gracious". The word means to be "polite, kind or courteous".  It's just a necessary character trait to have friends. But unfortunately, it's a trait buried. Again,  why? I really think we breed ingratitude by not expressing gratitude. It's so much easier to complain than to be appreciative.

A fellow by the name of Robert Brauet said, " There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude." G.B. Stern quoted "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone."  I am totally unimpressed with the saying, "It's the thought that matters." Excuse me; who profited from an unexpressed thought or an unsent card? I would much rather you not say anything to me if it is a sentence with "I meant to...." preceding it!

I guess it's because we forget to daily express gratitude that prompted the need for a yearly commemorative day to tell mothers, fathers, children, siblings, grandparents (and don't forget the inlaws) that you love and appreciate them. So we facebook, text or splurge and send a yearly $4.00 card to the nationally selected person to express our thoughts. 
I love getting cards on special days,  but if that's the only time I'm told I an appreciated or  I am telling someone I appreciate them, I think there's something wrong with the picture. I take a little offense that people have to have their minds jogged by advertisement to tell me they love me. Clarification: I do use every opportunity (including national) to tell someone I appreciate them.

So, we have a big opportunity in the month of October! It's Pastor Appreciation month!  Has it been a year since I last thought of that???....

I'm jabbing a little! But admit it! Arent we selfish? Truly, how hard is it to shake your pastor's hand every Sunday or give him a hug and say " Thanks, brother, I needed that sermon!" Or a simple "Appreciate you." Maybe a before service reminder "Praying for you today" to give him a boost.  How about a Saturday evening when you are relaxing and eating out, sending him a text,  "Praying for you as you make preparation for tomorrow."

Do a public tribute to your pastor if you want; I encourage it. Just saying.....it will be much more effective if you' ve sprinkled appreciation on the pastor throughout the year.

And don't forget the overlooked pastor's spouse. The pastor's wife often gives as much or more than her husband. If there's honor given, its likely in the name of her husband while she smilingly sits in the shadows and listens! Give an accolade to the pastor's wife!

Find a way to bless the pastor's family. They are often the most criticized because they are supposed to be "perfect".  Remember, they sacrifice a lot (much more than people know). They didn't choose to be in the spotlight! Give a shoutout for the pastor's children!

Here's the challenge. If you aren't given to compliments: put this reminder for once a month for the next year in your Iphone. "Bless my Pastor and his family".  That way you wont be surprised when October 2016 rolls around and you hear its "Pastor Appreciation Month!" Again?