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| Owen's first time on the Ferris wheel |
So, I'll get to the reason of the title later. Savannah going back to school has been a bit of culture shock for Owen. They are best little friends and worst little enemies. He says he doesn't miss her while she's at school, but I know he does. His life is completely different during those 7 hours. The other day Owen, the twins, and I went on a walk to a park. He found the swing, and just pumped up to the sky- or so he thought. He was so happy, and having so much fun. But, then he got my attention and pointed out a cigarette on the ground. He told me that he was being really careful not to touch it because he said, "it's a stick that says FIRE!!" I'm glad he knows to stay away from cigarettes.
While we were walking home, there was a man in front of a house smoking. I watched Owen look at the man, and then nonchalantly look again, and again, and again. I was biting my lips just hoping he wouldn't "say anything" in front of the man- I could see the wheels turning in Owen's head. After we walked past the man, I breathed a little lighter, and of course, Owen turned to me... and surprisingly, he whispered!! I was shocked that he didn't yell his words in front of the man. He said, "mom, that guy has that fire stick in his mouth and he's going to light his mouth on fire!!"
We then talked about how cigarettes are bad for us, how they can make us sick, and even make us die. Then he said, "then you would have to lay in a pouch." I asked him what a pouch was, he said, "you know! That thing Grandma Adams was laying in." With all respect, I had to giggle a bit. A pouch. That sounds a lot sweeter than casket or coffin, or box.
I thought about that little conversation during the day, and thought again about Grandma, and how we just can't take all this material stuff with us in the "pouch" when our time here expires. One sweet memory I have of Grandma is when all her belongings she's had during her 80+ years of life were all over the living room- up for grabs to any family member who wanted anything-- this was when she was going to the assisted living. She was not tied to her "stuff". It was hard for her to leave her home, and she missed it dearly, but she handled it all so graciously. I just thought about how things really are just things. Yes, we should care for "special stuff" and treat it nicely, but I love the relationship that Grandma Adams had with stuff. She took good care of her things, but was not tied to them. Everyone felt at HOME in their house. We could kick up our feet and feel comfortable. They had beautiful things- but we never had to worry about staining or ruining anything- couches, tables, chairs, and so on. We did treat things respectfully, but everyone could make themselves at home at the Adams home. I am grateful for that example of "down to earth" character. In this neighborhood of Mercedes and expensive homes, it's so nice to remember that what really counts is what we can take with us "in the pouch". Grandma had SO MUCH that she did take with her when she left this life because that is what she lived for-- not Mercedes and diamonds or even fancy clothes, but for her children and grandchildren.
Things are things, and sometimes, children HAVE to HAVE something :)!! Savannah's hear was SET on these shoes (which I've before mentioned):
I couldn't resist. They are soooooo not my taste, but if shoes can give some confidence to a little girl starting first grade, then by all means, I will let her wear them. (I would personally feel more embarrassed and less confident in them- but hey, mothers and daughters can have different taste, in fact- isn't that usually the case?)
When Owen saw Savannah's new shoes, he was totally jealous and asked Savannah if there were "twinkletoes" for boys. She said no, but there were some Lightening McQueen shoes that light up. OOOOHHHHH....HE COULD NOT WAIT TO GET SOME. Oh no for me!!! Those shoes are expensive!!!! With our budget, we just could not afford 2 pairs of light up shoes. But, Owen is starting preschool and desperately needs new shoes too. I was just hoping to get him the cheap kind.
I told him that we would go to "Kid to Kid" (a second had store) the next day and see what we could find. He was SOOO set on Lightening McQueen light up shoes. I hadn't thought to much about it, but he didn't let me forget. First thing the next morning, he was ready to go shopping- so we went. At "Kid to Kid" he looked on the shelf and grabbed:
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| Lightening McQueen Light up Shoes!!! In his exact size!!!! |
I was so happy, and amazed!!!! They were only $5- instead of $30.... and right now that is a major blessing to us. I consider that a small miracle, or a tender mercy in our lives.
So, stuff is stuff, but I do know that the Lord does know our hearts and desires-- even a little boy's love for Lightening McQueen, and sometimes, even through "stuff", He shows His love for us.
Lightening McQueen shoes make life so much more fun :)
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