The granddaughters rushed in clutching something in their hands they hid from my view. As they worked together the two of them said "don't look Grandma, this is a surprise for you". I was busy mashing potatoes while my homemade baking powder biscuits were baking.The table was set, the sliced roast venison and most delicious gravy were hot and ready for the table as were the vegetables. The birthday cake had been frosted and decorated by one of the granddaughters minutes before with my husband's supervision. I was rushing to get everything on the table so we could sit down to a hot meal and also have time to celebrate our oldest sons' birthday before the evening hour was too late. I am a great multi-tasker and was also cleaning as I cooked . Cleaning the counter tops, loading the dishwasher, un-loading the clothes dryer, picking up toys all eight of our grandchildren had dropped here and there. Rushing down the hall-way to check on another grandchild and discovering I had to straighten up all the little shoes , boots ,and wet socks, coats and oh my - the floor needed a clean-up because after the grandchildren had played near the pond and gone on boat rides with Grandpa there was mud all over the place. Whew. Then the granddaughters presented their surprise to me. A little bouquet of flowers.
Nothing in this bouquet would grab the attention of a florist, but just look at this through the eyes of children who take time to look, really LOOK at the world around them.Look at the care taken to carefully arrange this bunch of weeds and flowers. A pine cone, some moss, dandelions, twigs and a few anemones from our graveled entry-way. The bulk of the bouquet is made up of my most hated plant on our property, that blasted shot-weed !I hate the stuff and fight it all spring, summer and fall. I stopped rushing about for a moment ( but just a moment) and looked at this offering of love I almost overlooked in my busyness and said a quick "thank-you". Have you ever noticed what delicate little flowers shot-weed has? The blossoms look like snowflakes. No wonder our youngest granddaughter has been bringing me hands full of shot-weed to put into little cups of water. She sees what I have not taken time to notice.
Today the 4 granddaughters who have been here during their spring break went home. I cried because I already miss them. I cleaned while I cried and found a lone sock under their bed, a toy they will miss when they get home,pictures drawn for me in crayon & marker. Then I picked up the little bouquet to toss it out of the creamer and really saw the care they had taken in arranging this precious bouquet,just for me. I did not toss out the little bouquet but placed it within sight of my kitchen sink,then I cried again. When will I ever learn to be IN and appreciate the very moment God has given to me ? ~"Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things ; but only a few are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Jesus - Luke 10 :41,42
Thank-you KN & KB for this precious little bouquet, it is beautiful.
