A Country Outing

1Co 13:7
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

 

We drove up a beautiful country road, twisting, turning, and winding around the mountain up to the very top. Surrounded by lush green vegetation, a soft rain began to fall, as we drove through the clouds. The whole family was chattering and anticipating the fun time about to be had. When we finally peaked on the mountain top there was a breath taking view of the valley below with God’s majestic mountains hugging each side.  The camp ground was behind a small chalet and we pulled around to back and parked the car. Before us was a huge playground nestled in nature, lying wide open for a little boy who had been cooped up in the car for two hours.   Unable to contain himself anymore he burst out of the car; with me in tow, running behind that rambunctious four year old, shouting and laughing, as we waved our arms listlessly in the air and jumping on the merry go round we went round and round and round, giggling loudly. I caught his eye; and looking at his face, happiness had a new meaning. After setting up the tent, the older kids, including mama and papa were kicking soccer balls around on the lush green grass.  There were some fab moves in the field as I snapped picture after picture of vitally fit youngsters jumping through the air kicking the ball, falling on the ground and getting up and running all the same motion.  Papa held his own, keeping up with the kids, only a little more breathy. Everybody joined in the game.   Baby girl toppled over the ball and that little boy huffed and puffed, crossing his arm in a snit when he couldn’t get the ball.  Papa had to take a time out to give a little life lesson on sportsmanship.  All the while the hamburgers cooked on the grill, as the aroma of barbeque filled the air and the smoke swirled up towards the heavens and the bees lingered around wondering what was cooking.  Putting on my comfortable old leather baseball glove brought me back to a different time and place; a softball game of my youth, and I couldn’t wait to teach that little boy how to hit a ball!  Bat in hand; it would be his very first swing at a ball.  He had a lot of teachers that day, his papa and mama, my grandson the baseball star, my young daughter the soccer star,  and most of all me.  Small hand in a small glove, big hands in big gloves; everybody gave tips to the boy. And BAMB, he hit that ball over my head!  Everyone clapped with joy and cheered and our little boy was exuberant, smiling ear to ear. Again and again we each took turns pitching and hitting the ball.  When the rain came crashing down everyone ran screaming and laughing to the tent.  We all jumped in and huddled together while the rain beat against the canvas.   The summer rain passed by quickly, moving on to refresh some other place.  The smell of fresh rain in the grass was delightful as we enjoyed the now overly cooked burgers and the special potato salad my mom taught me how to make. Mama had her arms around the baby girl.  My boy, my grandson, now a young man, put his arm around me, he was happy, and my heart was full. The kids hung upside down on the monkey bars while papa and I scanned the terrain looking for buried treasure!!!! Beep beep beep.   We found something what could it be?  Digging with enthusiasm, we found a peso, oh yes, buried treasure, but much, much more than a peso.   Laying in the grass, looking up at the heavens we all contemplated the clouds, and with the tall pines swaying to and fro we were happy that day to be in the loving arms of God.  Thank you Lord, for Love, laughter....family.