My childhood was never boring. Oh, the stories we share at family gatherings. It was exciting. My parents still hear new details of old stories from my four brothers and me. But something tells me they aren't as surprised as they may seem.
There was the school bus ride down the mountain...with no brakes. There were family get-togethers and Church picnics...revivals and reunions. There were trips to the country store and playing football in the back yard. Fireflies were put in Mason jars and neighbors checked on one another. There were times I screamed...when earthworms were thrown into my hair...or a brother chased me with a mouse in his hand. There were times I laughed...bike rides, spending time with my life-long best friend and visiting cousins. There were times I cried...when a baseball bat accidentally landed in my forehead, or my first homemade doughnuts looked like rocks..or when precious loved ones died.
There were times of fear. While visiting the county fair, the fireworks began. They were beautiful...but overwhelmingly noisy. I finally stopped shaking when Dad held me and lovingly placed me in the car. Breaking my leg in two pieces from knee to ankle was painful. I clearly remember Dad placing a cloth bandage around my leg before moving me. Mom later watched the doctor cover my leg from thigh to foot with a large plaster cast to be worn for six weeks. There was also illness and surgery....bad weather and car accidents. But we made it...together.
I often reflect on those years with laughter, tears, wisdom and life lessons. I consider how my parents felt especially now that my husband and I have experienced parenting for over two decades. Parenting is a tremendous and challenging blessing. We care, we pray, we hope, we listen, we guide and we learn...and we always love.
Then I remember the One who has parented the longest. He created us. He listens to us, guides us, corrects us, embraces us, forgives us and cares for us. He protects us, provides for us and longs for us. Most of all, He loves us. Whatever life brings, I know I am not facing it alone. As I thank Him for parents who took care of me in good times, tough times, fun times and frightening times, I thank Him for being a Father who continues to watch over us...through every experience and step we take on this journey Home. Yes, life is often exciting. But something tells me God isn't surprised. After all, He knows His children really well, too. ♥~thl
"He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23: 3 > 4
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