Page 29 - LIfesOuttakes1

“Because,” Heather answered, with an air of four-year-old wisdom, “they are anxious to get home, and the ones in the front are going too slow, so the ones in the back want them to get out of the road.” As we continued our walk through the garden, a pungent smell filled the air. Heather and Elli both sniffed and wrinkled their noses. Heather turned to her little sister. “That is called a ‘stunk’, and I’m sure I don’t need to tell you why it is called that.” Our walk took us through the strawberry patch that was waking from the cold winter and was starting to put on flowers, like a springtime snow. Heather pointed to them. “Do you know what these are, Elli?” Elli shook her head, so Heather continued. “These are called yum berries. That is their real name, but some people call them slow berries because they take too long before they can be eaten.” As we continued our walk, I just kept quiet and listened to Heather describe the world around us with her vivid imagery and imaginative way. I realized this educational walk was more of an education for me than for them. God gave me eyes to see, ears to hear, a nose to smell, a mouth to taste, and fingers with which to feel. But He gave me children so that I would stop and look, pause and listen, take time out to smell the flowers, be grateful for the flavors of the bounty around me, and reach out and enjoy touching what I see. Thank you, God, for children. 24