and Laurie Paulsen's farm, welcomed by their big blonde dog Buddy. The
kids piled onto their swing set and delighted in the toads found in a
window well. Laurie brought out a pet rabbit on a leash named Thumper for
them to pet and admire…what soft, beautiful gray and white fur!
Jeff took us to the field where new corn sprouts bravely broke the soil
and stood 3 inches high. He showed the children seed corn and then dug up
a new sprout so they could see the green plant growing from the seed.
Laurie took us past her strawberry bed and explained how the center of the
lovely white flowers was actually the strawberry that would grow. This is
one place you don't want to pick the flowers!
Then we moved on to the shed and the kids climbed up in tall tractors and
got to see how the seeds come out of the planters. They loved being up so
high and pretending to be in control of one of these huge machines.
Next came the cattle: some chocolate fuzzy brown, some smooth black, some
grey-brown and some with added white. What big soft brown eyes! Of
course they were shy of the children but soon their curiosity overcame
them and they moved closer.
A farm trip wouldn't be complete without a hayride so off the children
went with Jeff down the road and back. The time was complete with thanks
and a prayer and a snack.
Places and times like this soothe my soul. Growing up on a farm I have
love and admiration for growing plants and animals. Out of town one can
see for miles and miles and get the panoramic view of clouds and homes.
Some of these children are blessed with family or friends with whom they
can experience this side of life off and on – others are not so lucky.
I'm grateful for people like Jeff and Lauri who eagerly share their love
of the land and farm life and help instill admiration and respect for the
world God made. I'm grateful parents take the time to guide their
children in new discoveries.
Most of all I am grateful for an opportunity to rest my soul for a few
minutes. What is it that brings you rest? A farm visit or drive in the
country is not the only way my soul is soothed, but it is almost certainly
one way.
The month of May brings so much to do: yardwork, planting, celebrations
of all kinds, wrapping up the school year and the choir season. Many of
these things are hard work and many are fun. Memorial day is coming soon
to usher in summer officially.
At Salem this weekend we'll celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. Images of God
and Jesus as our caretaker and guard will be shared in scripture, song,
and prayer. We'll speak and sing the beloved 23 Psalm. It would be my
guess for many of you that Psalm rests your soul too; just those pastoral
images and the idea of letting the Lord guard and protect you. When we
grow up we become the protectors for others and sometimes miss being
protected. What a gift to know Christ promises to care for his precious
sheep!
May your soul
be at rest, even in the midst of a storm.
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church
Reminders:
Children's Advocacy Walk 8:30 a.m. Saturday Good Thymes Shelter, Sycamore
Park
Community Servant Speaker Patti Comegys of Big Brothers and Sisters at the
9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour
Pre-K and older SS children will lead the 10:30 GRACE worship service this
weekend.
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