FIELD TRIPS WITH GRAMMA

It has been said that this generation of children may never know what it means to go home to "gramma and grandpa's farm." As children, we always made at least one annual trip back to the farm, back to see our grandparents but also to witness the values of those days in their lives.

We can still help our grandchildren experience some of those standards. Yet, some of our biblical or family ethics can still be shown through the joys of gardening. Ask these questions of yourself, and see if you can spin a lesson or a family journal.


What did we learn as children while taking that walk 'down to the green-bean patch'?


What did we learn about God's creation in the garden, and the balance between predator and prey? What did we learn about our environment? What did we learn about beauty?


What did we learn when we took the beans, the peas, the squash and cabbage back to the kitchen- where the journey had not yet ended? What did we learn about gifts to those in need?

What did we learn when we stopped in the middle of our chore, and "wet a line" in the pond on their property or the neighbors?


What did we learn about our grandparent's relationships with one another, with our other family members, and even with neighbors?


I remember much about times in the gardens my grandparent's kept, even though the farms were already gone. I heard stories told and re-told, and saw the gleam in their eyes. I realized that they had experienced something rare, beautiful, and valuable.


I learned that every creature has value on earth. I confirmed God's care for even a sparrow. I know now that every human being has value in God's eyes. Eventually, I learned hard lessons about our responsibility as caretakers for our environment.


Beauty that we see and find in the gardens and farms may be at first envisioned like a Norman Rockwell painting. However, the creativeness found in God's own handiwork is the first step in finding and using creativeness to repeat it. Even the lines in our grandparent's faces became beautiful and cherished. Their living legacies may have lived on in us, if we allowed them to- and can live on in our grandchildren, if we pass them on.


Time spent preparing the garden's bounty is not lost on young eyes and ears. If you are careful to watch and listen, you find that they do indeed pay attention. The fresh green bean takes on a new look, even if they choose not to eat it. They respect the process and wonder of it. Awe is never wasted.


The gift of farming on society has an immeasurable impact. If we can instill a respect for farming in our grandchildren, we may see them find new meanings for the word 'hero'. They may be able to see volunteers with a new eye, and learn what it means to 'give'.


Taking time out to talk or to share is always valuable, whether it means stopping to fish, or stopping for some other activity. Time. It is our most valuable commodity.


When our grandparents were living and farming, we saw a level of care for others we don't witness as often these days. Our grandparents watched each other closely, to see who needed help with what and when. They shared their chores and responsibilities. In addition, they shared with their neighbors, just as their neighbors watched over the fence and shared with them. Newspapers left on the porch meant a visit was in order.


What can you gain from a walk in the garden with your grandchildren? I like to think of my heavenly Father walking with me in the garden, and I know what blessings I gained from that.


Check out the green beans. Take your time.

~April Boyer (c) 2008 All Rights Reserved, Use With Permission Only.

April Boyer is a free lance writer in mid Ohio, wife, mother of two and Gramma Apple to two precious gems. She has published more than 47 articles in regional and national magazines and newspapers, and additional devotionals in e-zines. She is the retired founder and director of the 6-year old Ashland Area Christian Writer's Guild, and has printed a handbook, How to Establish a Christian Writer's Group, available for sale through her website http://aprilboyer.com. Pages on the website include her own writing services, writer's tips, encouragement, inspiration and a Bible study. Please mail requests or questions to April through her website contact page.