Like Sands Through The Hourglass!

As many of you know with my job I travel to different places testing their water. Well today was no different. One of the places I go to is a daycare. I rarely see the children though. Today, however, I had to go through the playground. That playground had all sorts of toys. Swings, slides, balls, high top cars, (By the way I got stuck in one of those when I was about 14) and a sandbox. Anyway as I was walking through the playground I heard a little girl about three years old yelling at me “Hey, tug! Tug!” Tug!” I said “Hello there”. She just kept yelling “Tug!” I got closer to the sandbox, thats when I noticed “it”. A walker. A tiny little walker. The little girl, playing in the sand started bouncing up and down up and down waving at me and yelling “Tug, tug, tug!” It was then I saw that the tiny little walker belonged to her. She had only one leg. The other leg ended at the upper part of her thigh. My heart was instantly broken for her. Well I finished with the water and was coming back through the playground gate, when she started yelling again. “Tug me!” Thats when I realized she was saying “Hug me” I looked at her teacher and she said “Thats fine you can hug her”. The little girl rolled out of that sandbox and hopped on one leg all the way over to where I was, which was about 15-20 feet away. And she was very fast I might add! But she didn’t come alone, she was followed by a three year old cowgirl, and a three year old freckle faced boy. All of whom required a hug.
They all hugged me but the little girl held on. She threw her little arms around my neck and wrapped her little leg around my waist. Then she got down and hopped back over to the sandbox and started playing with the other kids. And I realized just how blessed I am. This little girl was so happy and she was spreading her joy. I wonder how long its been since I have spread any joy. How long its been since I showed anyone how happy I was with what God had blessed me with? I realized in that one little hug I had felt Gods presence. I also realized something else. That little girl was covered in sand and so was I!!!
I got in the car and was leaving and as I brushed the sand off my neck I thought about how blessed I was. A little further down the road I brushed away more sand. This happened all day. And all day I was reminded of Gods love for me.
Its funny how God uses little things to teach us lessons. Who would have thought that a little girl, a hug, and a sandbox would have shown me how blessed I am. The bible teaches about being careful of how we treat strangers they might be angels.(Hebrews 13.2) And I thought this might be the case with me, except as I was leaving I turned around and saw her pick up a hand full of sand and throw it in the little freckled faced boys’ eyes. I don’t think an angel would do that! Its funny how God works!

The things I have learned!

Well today I turned 36 years old! 36! I really never thought I would live to be this old. In middle school my science teacher (Mr. Kallam anyone remember him) told me I would die in a plane crash or with cancer by the time I was 25. But I have survived. (But I have never been on a plane either). Anyway I though I would share with you guys some things I have learned in my 36 years. Well actually when your my age it's called wisdom. Wow I'm wise! I know some of you are laughing at that! Ok ALL of you are laughing at that! But anyway, here are some things I have learned.

I have learned that acne never goes away. I got up with a BIG birthday zit this morning! Who knew? I have learned that Don can make me laugh till a beverage comes out of my nose. I have learned that life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will. I have learned that my parents (most of the time)REALLY did know best. I have learned that childhood dreams don't always come true. (I'm still waiting for the call to go to Egypt on an archeological dig.) I have learned that my kids are the heart of our home. I have learned that best friends are not always forever. I have learned to like my sister! Just kidding! I love my sister very much she IS one of my BFF's. I have learned to turn lights off when I leave a room, and not to swing on the refrigerator door! But I'm still undecided as to if the light really goes off when you close the door.

I have learned that my children did not have to be biologically mine to belong to me. I have learned my daughter has my dancing ability. And that makes us laugh. I have learned my son is a nut and he makes me laugh! I have learned Don makes everybody laugh! I have learned some people no matter what are just going to be mean. Some people are just not going to like me no matter how great I am.

I have learned black dogs tear up your garden for absolutely no reason. I have learned my children love that black dog unconditionally and any mention of the dog pound will bring instant tears.

I have learned that God forgives. That no matter what I do He loves me. And that must be hard to do. I have learned that unfortunately sometimes parents outlive their children, and thats not fair. I have learned that some people I grew up with didn't have the things I had! I learned that sometimes children in the USA go to bed hungry. And thats not fair. I have learned that life isn't fair.

I have learned that good friends are hard to come by. I have learned that bad friends are a dime a dozen. I have learned that no one wants to be in trouble alone. I always wanted company when I did something wrong. I have learned that chickens and beagles ought not be in a cage together. I have learned that a snake bite DOES hurt! I have learned a three legged mouse can still run. I have learned that happiness is a choice and I choose to be happy. I have learned that weeds can take over your garden overnight. I have also learned that you can't teach a black dog to pull weeds, they only bust your watermelons.

I found a book from 7th grade with a list of questions. One of the questions was where do you hope to be at 50. My answer was "DEAD". ( the things we think at 12 years old) I have learned I don't want to be dead at 50. I have learned that I should have ask my grandpa more questions.

The hardest thing I have learned is that it's not about me. No matter how much I want it to be. I have learned that people die. I have learned that sometimes people destroy themselves no matter what you do. I have learned that tomato juice is good with crackers. I have learned spoiled tomato juice is not good with anything. I have learned that I suffer from road rage. I have learned I'm a better driver than those around me! hehe I have learned that some people will drive slow in the fast lane no matter how much you shake your fist at them. I have learned not to shake my fist at people bigger than me. I have learned it kinda hurts to be dragged across the counter at Hardee's by an angry woman.

I have learned to adjust. Adjust to the bad times and the good. To be happy with what I have and who I am. I have learned to accept others for who they are and not try and change them. I have learned I am not in control God is, and thats for the best. (Would you people want me in control of your lives? Scary thought ain't it).

I have learned I love my life and I don't think 36 is gonna be so bad.