Making the most of where we are right now.
We took an impromptu field trip yesterday to my favorite classroom; the woodlands and rivers of central North Carolina.
With several days of rain in the forecast, I knew that we should get outside while we had a chance. So I finished my work, ate lunch with Jess and the kids, and then pulled Jess aside and suggested that we cut “school” short and get the kids out into the woods. She, of course, enthusiastically agreed.
We quickly loaded up and headed to the White Pines Preserve; a favorite spot for me and Jess.
This was my childhood. Most of my days as a boy were spent exploring my world. I would spend countless hours roaming far and wide with almost no boundaries. There was often trouble when I returned home around dark; having snuck away without mom even knowing I had gone. The punishment that I received was no deterrent. The following day I would go out again.
I had a favorite book at that time. It was a feild guide to all the common plants and animals in North America. I bought it for ten cents from my grandmother at a yard sale. I still have the book. However, it is very much worn out, for after a day afield I would spend my evening plowing through the book learning all that I could about the plants and creatures that I had encountered during the day.
The schoolroom is essential, but let’s disregard the view that learning only happens inside four walls. For a child set free, there is no limit to learning.
I am so excited to be where we are right now. My kids are perfect ages to experience, appreciate, and remember all the things that I hold dear about the place that I grew up. Springtime in central NC is an exciting and magical time. I want to share it all with them while I can.
I guess, if there is any spiritual lesson that Jess and I have learned well, it is the one about contentment.
“…In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content…” Philippians 4:12
No matter what our own plans are, or how we are perplexed by the circumstances around us, we will make the most of wherever God has us today.
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