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What started out as a site to update on our daughter's cancer has thankfully grown into a site to update on our beautiful family of four. Enjoy our journey...

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

need washing?

Grandma Preister took this picture!


1-2-3...cheese!


pretty flower!


playing in the grass while daddy works on his truck!

our pretty flowers, from the flower fairy


more playing with the camera!


more playing with the camera!

NEED WASHING?

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing as carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in "Mom let's run through the rain," she said.

"What?” Mom asked.

"Let's run through the rain!” She repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain,"

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD lets us get wet, well, maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling, and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brenda~you are getting SO good at taking pictures!!!the pics of the flowers reminded me of a postcard! The pictures of Charli are ALWAYS CUTE!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing her smiles with us!!!!

Anonymous said...

CUTE PICS,GOSH I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE IS GONNA BE ONE ALREADY!!!THANKS 4 ALWAYS KEEPING US UPDATED ON HER!!HAVE A WONDERFUL NIGHT!!JEN

AndreaChad said...

WOW!! The interpretation and innocence of children!! I too need to be washed! Great pics...xoxo!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful flowers and a beautiful little girl. She stands "so brave" next to the window.
Loved the story about the little girl and the rain. MOM

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know that the story touched me sooo deeply that I copied it and e-mailed to my children and friends. What an inspiration you and Charli are!!!
Thanks for the great pics and lessons in your updates.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait for the next rainfall...I am going to grab Em and Michael and we are going to run, dance and play in the rain!!
Thank you!!

NB Warrior said...

That grass that Charli is sitting on is sooooo green! =) Very nice! I loved the pictures.

Of course you can use the same thing for Charli's birthday that I used. David wanted to do the little picture montage like you did for Chad on Father's day, that I stole from you. =)

The Robbins said...

Wow, that story is great! Do you mind if I copy it? The pics of Charli are so sweet! Are you guys doing ok, we haven't seen you around on bf.