Rainforest

They had already celebrated birthdays but this was her real birthday. So the moms dropped off Catherine, William and Blake at my house and from there we were going to have lunch at the Rainforest Cafe in the Galleria. But it only took a few minutes to realize that it was not the lunch that was important to them it was the outing. We could have stopped at the escalators and the stairs and the ice skaters, for they get such a kick out of just being together. For those of you who have not been to the Rainforest Cafe it is decorated with trees and vines and animals and birds and visions that that you might see and you sounds may hear when you go to an actual rain forest. (I have not ever been to one myself. ) There are thunder and rain sounds and noises of the animals and it is quite intriguing especially to the eyes and ears of little ones.

When we got to the restaurant, it was hardly crowded, and we sat in a place where I could pretty much see the whole area. I let them each walk alone around the inside perimeter of the restaurant (I could watch them and so could the kids that were left at the table) and come back and tell me what their favorite sight was. The others waited patiently for their turn and the conversation then took great strides as we waited for lunch. They thought that the walk was an awesome task. For it only takes a little bit of imagination to interest these three. But each found different eye catchers that peeked their interest. For Catherine, it was the tiger, for Blake it was the green eyed monster, and for William, I think he liked the elephant at first glance but the green eyed monster soon took first pick. I told them I was too scared to go see it....so they took me as a group encouraging me the whole time that it was going to be OK and not to be scared. Figured that it was fun for them to get to be the strong and brave ones some time. It was two lit green eyes of a face carved in what appeared to be lava rock. Of course it would be a little mysterious and interesting especially in a dimly lit restaurant. We ended our day by going back to Jenn's opening presents and having cake outside with Jamie and Molly and baby Molly.

It doesn't matter where you go really or what you do with folks, it is the time spent showing interest in a relationship that matters, and showing interest in something that interests that someone else who you are with. It is pure joy for me to watch these kids. To see what they notice, to experience their curiosity, the watch their excitement over the simplest of things, to hear their stories, to see how they interact and who gets to be the lead and how they build confidence off of one another.

These three have been tight since their beginning, Sam and Molly will soon follow but they have to grow a little more. And then they will watch as baby Emma, coming in July makes her debut into the family zoo. Each of us has our defined interests, opinions, personalities and characteristics. I think about the Lord watching our every move and how we interact with others. He too must be pleased when he sees our appreciation for the simple things that he has intertwined among our paths. He watches as choose what to concentrate on, and what catches our eye, and what pulls at our curiosity. For we too are children, his children who are set apart on this earth to reflect His glory. It must be to his great delight when we stop and recognize the blessings that he has bestowed upon us and the senses that we use to take notice of his riches that he has scattered before us.

This was just a make believe rain forest, but it stimulated these little minds into looking a little closer at the creatures that
were within its boundaries. They had a chance to have an up close and personal viewpoint of a tiger, an elephant, parrots, butterflies and even a snake. It was enchanting, but it represented a real life set up that God had created far away from the place in which we live. We too have an opportunity each day to look around and see a real life view of God's grace, within us and about us. But we have to have to be filled the curiosity, the interest, and the desire to round the corners of our lives
and seek to find that which God has hidden in the crevices of our everyday journey.

This was a rain forest replica....what does Christ want us to be making a replica of on this earth? I suggest it is a replica of His way of loving others.



Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,



If we constructed a corner display to show how to love others, Christ's way, what would it look like? It would look like the many of you who go out of your way to help those whose property has been devastated, or those of you who help in soup kitchens, or give what you have to others in need. It would be the sight of someone sacrificing their time for the benefit of others, or a conversation that holds the name of Christ up in awesome wonder, or comforting one who is hurting, or encouraging one who is discouraged. You know what it would look like, for not only are you a part of it but you witness it everyday. Those are some of the vignettes that bring joy to Christ.

How blessed are we who have the opportunity to step into the world of God's grace and appreciate the many things he has done, and the power and authority that he continually propels.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the reminder through little eyes to appreciate the simple things, and simple times that you have provided. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!