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The Wisdom Of A Child

The sky was hazed in hues of gray, as a gentle breeze danced through the cornstalks, whispering the birth of a harvest.  The air was cool and crisp.


It had been a busy morning and my frustration level was high.  Now, I was desperately trying to load everyone and everything into the beast to head out for our first school field trip.  Finally all was packed and we were ready to begin our journey.  That is.. until the van wouldn't start.  After my husband poked about the engine for a bit we decided it would be best for me to take his car. He could go into work later instead of me cancelling.  We would be late - but we would get there.  Quickly we unpacked the van and repacked the car.  Of course, half way there we realized that we forgot the umbrella in the belly of the beast and the farther I drove the more it began to pour.  Lovely.

As soon as we graced the threshold of the farm the kids burst with excitement.  They were ready to enjoy every moment the day had to offer.  I - I was just trying to gulp as much coffee as possible in hopes of survival






Climbing aboard the hay wagon I inhaled deeply.  An attempt to calm myself.  Outwardly I was in control.  Inwardly...well...lets just say it wasn't going well.  Once we arrived at the strawberry patch the kids hit the ground running. With pride they searched every inch as they tried to find the plumpest,  juiciest strawberry possible.  Following them on their quest had brought us to the farthest point from the wagon, so when we were called back we all scurried about hopping over rows like rabbits.  It's an organic farm...weeds are welcomed and plentiful.  Why I chose to wear flip flops... I'm not sure.  With every hop I was blessed to be stuck with several thistles.  Gripping coffee in one hand I tried to balance my purse, jackets and Audrey's basket of overflowing berries in the other (much like I had been trying to balance my day).  With one last hop I slipped in the mud and toppled over - berries spilling everywhere.  Immediately I jumped up brushing the dirt from my pants and began gathering the lost treasures.  Out of breath, and a bit embarrassed, I jumped on the wagon and we were off.  I couldn't help but wonder if the day could get any worse.





As we bopped along, I looked back to watch a beaming smile spread Audrey's face.  She threw up her arms as she looked straight toward the heavens... " THANK YOU JESUS!!!"  Her excitement revealed in every inch of her small frame.  Startled I ask "What did you say?"  "Thank you Jesus! Look at all the food he gave us, mommy.  You can make LOTS of pie!"  =)


Gazing at the never-ending expanse of fields I stood in awe and was humbled.  Life can be overwhelming at times.  It's easy for me to lose perspective...be ungrateful.  Choose to question God's goodness, instead of choosing to trust Him and see His blessings.  How many gifts do I miss because I'm in a hurry...overwhelmed...frustrated...running my agenda?  Chastised by the wise words of my sassy five year old my heart and lips whispered "Yes, THANK YOU JESUS for ALL this!  For this angel you let me borrow and for this day... interruptions and all."





What about you?  Do you feel as though life has pecked you half to death like a mean chicken?  Are you frustrated?  Overwhelmed?  Have you lost perspective... gratefulness?  Maybe it's time to just throw up your hands and say thank you Jesus for all of it... 




God's love notes today:

Alarm clocks that don't go off on time
Runny noses and chilly toes
Long tangled locks that take forever to brush
Bee stings
Thistles that stick to your pants and toes
Bouncy hay rides
Raindrops
Crisp Autumn breeze
Warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies
Apple spiced tea
Creaking old rocking chairs
Cheesy potato soup
Rhubarb and strawberry pie
Mulled cider candles
Giggling children in the kitchen
A shaggy dog that shakes her wet fur, soaking everything in the room
Broken down cars
Strong, faithful arms that wrap around my waist
The heart of my sassy five year old
School books piled high
Old friends
Mean chickens
The gift of one more day...

Until then...   
Jessie

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