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.