Back in April, I posted a photo of a place we found and enjoyed far back in the Kisatchie National Forest. Yesterday, we enjoyed that beautiful, secluded piece of woods with Andy and our grandchildren! Before exploring the creek, we spread an old bedspread on the ground and had a picnic. Have you ever noticed that a peanut butter sandwich tastes so much better when eaten under shade trees growing along a sandy creek?
Now you can't explore a creek with three energetic kids with your shoes on! And besides that, it was oh-so-hot! So, off came my shoes down by the creek, and I stepped into that cold, clear water. Oh, how refreshing! It had been a long time since I felt cold sand oozing between my toes in that kind of setting . . . way too long, in fact.
We had taken unshelled peanuts with us, and the halved shells made perfect little boats. Isaac and Abby launched boat after boat and followed them down the fast-flowing creek.
They splashed up and down the creek, made dams to direct the flow of the water, and explored the winding creek.
Em liked burying her feet and legs in the sand. We all "soaked up" nature's best!
We made lots of good memories, and of course, I loved snapping shots of our excursion. Maybe we'll go back soon!
In my last post, I talked about how much I learn from my grandchildren, but we grandparents have much to teach the young ones in our families. I think it's our responsibility to provide opportunities for this generation to experience the simple pleasures that have been so much a part of our lives. Kids of today still like to use their imaginations, create their own fun, and enjoy nature - at least our grands do! And that kind of fun is good for them - physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Time spent in quiet places in the outdoors - away from TV's, DVD's, DS's, I-pods, MP-3 players, and cell phones (there was no phone service there) should be part of every child's growing-up years! Just sayin' . . .
And more importantly, it's our awesome responsibility and privilege to pass along the truths and the faith that have been the foundations of our lives . . . truths that will anchor them in this fast-paced, chaotic, ever-changing world that they are growing up in. They need to know that there is a place of quietness . . . and refuge . . . and an ever-flowing stream of God's love that began at a place called Calvary. Let's show them by example that choosing to step into that stream is the best choice they'll ever make!
We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
His power, and the wonders He has done.
Psalm 78:4
His power, and the wonders He has done.
Psalm 78:4
11 comments:
That's been one of my greatest joys - going for walks and/or picnics with the grands! Now that most of them don't live in the same city I sure do miss that! Totally agree with you about passing things, especially our faith, along to the next generation. Enjoy your week-end!
Hi Glenda, I would love playing in the water with the kids.... I become a child on a hot summer day ---and I'd probably be SITTING in the water... ha ha... What a neat place...Is that in LA?
YES---we need to 'train up a child' ---and they will learn from us!
Hugs,
Betsy
Yes, Betsy, it is in LA in Natchitoches parish. Maybe next time we go, I'll SIT in the creek! Wouldn't that be cool? "Cool" meaning the opposite of warm . . . I don't know how "cool" I'll look! :-))
What wonderful, good, plain FUN you had! We've been having a heat wave here, so I can almost feel that cold creek water and the sand between my toes. My favorite picture is the last, where they are walking on the creek stones. You are so right about tech gizmos robbing kids of their imagination and love of nature. I just bought a hand held video game for the girls, but I'm the one who keeps it and we only play in short time periods.
This reminds me of the hours my brother and I played in a creek by our home during our childhood.
What a grand day you had. It's been forever since I've had a picnic way out in the country. The water looks so cool and refreshing. Thanks for sharing such a special day with your bloggie friends!
P.S. I see you have an Em too!
Your grandchildren are very lucky to have you. I'm sure they must realize this. So glad you had so much fun with them. Carla
I loved the pictures of your time at the creek. Grandchildren are such a wonderful gift to us. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't do a lot of things I do. Just like you got your feet wet. It is important to pass along our faith. I try to do that by example more than anything. Thankfully most of their parents do the same.
I can't think of a better way to spend your time that enjoying a lovely day with your grandchidren. I have 9 and 1 on the way, and I cherish every minute I get to spend with them. Whatever job or accomplishments we have in this world, no one can ever replace mom, and grandma!
Glenda,
What peaceful photos of the creek and your grandchildren. I'm so glad you could have fun with them and have a picnic. This is just wonderful. What precious memories the children will have of their grandparents.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July.
Oh, I so agree. And sometimes I think it must be easier to pass on those simple pleasures and important truths to grandchildren than it was to our children. When I was raising my kids I was so busy. Now that I am older, and they are grown and gone, I find that I have more time to stop and play and talk. No grandkids yet for us, but someday perhaps.
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