Everyday's a Picnic

Growing up in the '50s was an adventure.  My cousins, Bruce and Earl, lived across the dirt road from us.  Bruce and I spent many hours roaming the pastures, woods, and fields.  We walked barefoot and didn't seem to notice the rocks, hot red Georgia clay, and thorns.  Strange that today a trip across the grassy yard without shoes is a major ordeal.

Near Bruce's house was a deep ditch.  We loved that ditch.  Many days were spent sliding down the banks of the ditch; walking on a board bridge across the ditch; and hiding from attacking forces in the ditch.  This ditch was a fortress that could not be penetrated. We were a strong force against evil!  When we were covered with the red dust from the ditch, we would find other adventures to keep two children occupied for the rest of a hot summer day. These adventures would last well into the evening when the lightening bugs made their appearance and taunted us to catch them.  Mason jar in hand, we filled our tiny world with light and then released them to catch another night.

Lunch was always the main meal of the day.  We referred to lunch as dinner; the evening meal was supper. Mama would have fresh vegetables from the garden; fried potatoes; cornbread; and tea.  Bruce and I would make our plates and carry our food outside to eat.  We had a picnic every day!  We just didn't realize how lucky we were growing up in small community of relatives where there were no fears and small children roamed freely to explore God's world as only children can see it.  Our imaginations had no limits.

It's me again Lord, thanking you for childhood friends who made growing up an adventure.

Just a little Georgia Wisdom reminds you to call up a childhood friend and reminisce about old times.

"Where Everybody Knows Your Name"

Help me!  What in the world was I thinking!  Entertaining three kids, who had been sentenced the day before to a day indoors because of rain, is a challenge.  This morning was shrouded in fog, but became an invitation to a typical fall day.  You know the one, warm, clear, and just right for a trip to town.  We started off with breakfast at Burger King.

 "I don't want to go." whined Will.  In an upbeat voice, I politely told him he was outnumbered.  We met my friend Kathy for breakfast.  There is nothing like a road trip to the bathroom (with all three children in Burger King crowns in tow talking in a loud whisper, "We're going to the bathroom.").  Our breakfast ended after two more trips to the bathroom, three falls from the Burger King booth seat, and sticky pancake syrup on pants. (My friend Kathy thinks I will be honored with Sainthood.)

Aha, you would think that would have been enough! But wait!  This story gets better.  Not wanting to end my joyous trip with three wonderful children, we go to the Dollar Tree.  Yes, another store now knows that I am known as "Nanny."  Oh, I am enjoying this.  I have become a celebrity.  I am in a place where everybody knows my name!  Let's not stop here!  No!  We need to go to the bathroom!  On to Wal-Mart!

The bathroom was empty, thank goodness, when we invaded.  Each to his/her own stall, I shouted and called each one by name.  We have the bathroom road trip over, and it is on to the toy section.  The mission:  Show Nanny what you would like for Papa and her to buy them for Christmas.  This took awhile and was interrupted only by trips to (yes, you guessed it) to the bathroom.  Wally World is another place that now knows my name.  I'm going to have my name in lights and sign Nanny autographs.

We ended our journey with a picnic in the park.  Will is a sheriff with a gun and handcuffs.  Julia is sporting a hair piece, and Gracie has cups for her baby.  All three have silly bands.  It has been an awesome day and the best part:  I am their Nanny and everybody knows my name.

It's me again, Lord thanking you for wonderful grandchildren that show you the world through innocent eyes.

A little Georgia Wisdom: Enjoy the moments, even the embarrassing ones, for they make memories.

Precious Memories

Yesterday was the an end of a very long journey.  It was the end of an era in which there were good times on a swing built by the hands of a loving father; a cute little dress made from the talented hands of a loving mother; and the fun times of a family as they enjoyed homemade meals together on Sundays;  last minute Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve; and laughter. Those days are gone forever; now it is time to move forward. We tried to hold on as long as we could, but it is gone.  Only memories remain. No, it was not the date of the passing of our parents, but the realization. The time one knows it will never be the same.

One Christmas morning when I was about four years old (we were staying at my grandparents) there was a tricycle under the tree.  What a wonderful gift from Santa!  I knew it was Santa because there was his foot print in the ashes of the fireplace.  That was all the proof  needed of a visit from Ole St. Nick. This wonderful memory can't be erased.  It is 58 years old and it is as clear today as it was when it was the twinkle in the eyes of a young child.

When Mama passed away, she left me her love for reading, writing and learning..  At an early age she read to us.  Later I will tell you about a school teacher she, my brothers, Dwayne and Eddie, and I had the honor of having at Demorest Elementary. Mrs. Turner loved reading and passed this on to her students. That's a story for another day.

Daddy left a legacy of work ethics and a sense of acceptance. He was orphaned at an early age and family was so important to him.  Everyone who came to our house became a member of our family.

My children and grandchildren will have their own memories, and they will be good ones too.

It's me again, Lord thanking you for your grace that sustains us through grief.

A little Georgia Wisdom reminding you to save your precious memories.

Purging the Old

One day we wake up and realize that we are hanging on to the past.  We hold on to unwanted memories, unwanted reminders of mistakes we have made; and we realize that we are wasting our energy on moments in time we can't change. Have you ever thought perhaps no one remembers those events but you?  It is time to purge those thoughts from the depths of our brain and begin living.

How many times have you  found yourself asking forgiveness for the same sins?  Jesus forgives the first time we sincerely ask.  Then why do we insist on hanging on to forgiven sins?  Forgive yourself, purge the old thoughts and unwanted memories, and let God wash the dust and dirt of those long forgiven sins away from your heart forever.

It's me again, Lord.  I want to begin purging the old from my heart and replace it with the freshness of a new beginning.

Just a little big of Georgia Wisdom based on the experience of a Georgia girl.