Monday, June 9, 2008

Fruit

In case you are not in the continental United States, I will just let you know, it is bloody hot outside. It's the kind of heat that just "clings" to you the minute you leave the blessed, overworked air conditioning. This is normal in Alabama......in the middle of August.
Ah, but who needs to read one more post about how animals and the elderly are at risk?
I love Summertime (even though it is technically not even here yet). And since I am having to visit the parched vegetation at least once a day to give them a drink, I thought I would share 2 of the things that gave me great joy this evening:



See, it doesn't take much! The truth is, I am ecstatic that they are still alive!
Anyway, today we had an awesome first day of VBS. I have such a sweet group of 5th/6th grade girls that I get to lead around all morning. It only seems like yesterday when I was their age, impressionable, tender and full of hopes and dreams. I quietly watched them today as some of them searched for acceptance and approval of even their smallest actions, and it made me a little sad.
I know that's all normal, but I became freshly reminded about how hard it is to be a young person. I wish that I could just gently grab each one of them by the shoulders and say precisely the thing that would make them understand just how very much they are loved by their Father.
I wish that I could make them grasp that they don't need the approval of man because "man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart"...and that man's approval is fleeting, anyway.
I wish that I could beg them to make all the right choices and to seek to glorify the Lord, no matter what....but that would be weird.
And I would probably get fired from my volunteer position. So I quietly listen, and I trust God to use me somehow. And I pray. I pray that God will bring forth fruit that's incalculable in each of their precious lives. I pray that God will use each one of them mightily and as uniquely as He created them. What an awesome thing to get the privilege of watching these kids grow up.
Hmmmm, I wonder if I will still feel this way by Friday? Just kidding... ;)

13 comments:

Halfmoon Girl said...

oh, 4 new posts, how did I miss this? I love that there are people like you, quietly watching and praying for our kids. I am leading the preschool age group at our VBS next month, and hope that I can have the same attitude. BTW, I love your new header. oh, and I lit my WOOD STOVE today- it is that damp and chilly here. I have NEVER done that in June before. You should come up and get a reprieve from the heat.

Duckygirl said...

You're blog feeds just started showing up today for me, I'm glad. Now I'm off to read your last few posts!

-Laura

carrie said...

you have tomatoes already?! My plants are still so tiny from all this rain. We need some sunshine!

And I'm getting your feed now. Thought you'd like to know.

Andrea said...

What a sweet post...we are thankful to have volunteers like you for VBS.
And I know the girls are just loving having you as their leader.

Caroline said...

What a sweet post! Weren't we in 6th grade a few years ago?? Come on..humor me. I remember that age with pain and regret. I sure wish I knew all those things about God then. Yet, maybe I did but didn't really believe them. Unfortunately I believed what I SAW...

You keep right on lovin' and prayin' for those girlies! You will make a difference this week I have no doubt.

KarenW said...

Oh it's hot way up here in VA too. We've been over 100 for the past couple of days. UGH!!

So glad you are having a great VBS. Public schools are even out here!

Gayle said...

Well there you are. I was starting to get worried that my bloglines wouldn't report on your new secret blog.

And the heat? Well rub it in why don't you. It's a cold wet 50 degrees here today and my garden isn't producing a thing yet.

Argh!

The Farmer's Wife said...

Love the pics! Very pretty. I'm just checking in this evening. I've read myself up to date now. I didn't realize you'd posted so much- guess I need to utilze my bloglines more (blush)-

I'm having a fasting blood glucose test tomorrow and then a gallbladder scan Friday. Please keep me in your prayers. I'm not feeling so healthy these days.

((hugs))

Growin' with it said...

sad to admit, i need that shakin' and reminding sometimes too...even as an adult! great post.

Distybug said...

I'm so glad to hear you say that...my Darlin was in your group today! If only for a little while.

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

See how much I love you? Reading and commenting on my stolen computer moments in California. Wish my 5th/6th grade daughter had someone like you in her life!

Meliss said...

I like your new blog header picture!

I'm glad that God gave you such a heart for those girls.

Have you made your blog private already, but I am still able to see it?

Anonymous said...

Great pics Gayle!
Hugs,
Crystal
(TGR)