Front Porch Picnic

Mandie was sad this morning that Derek got to go to the city with Daddy, while she had to stay home with Mama. So I purposed to make the day special for her and involved her in doing laundry, cleaning flower beds, and mixing oatmeal bread, with the promise of a picnic lunch on the front porch. It is the most pleasant place to be in the afternoon when the sun is beating at the back door.
First we scared up the tailless lizard and giggled to see him scrambling ever so frantically and fruitlessly on the slippery painted cement floor! Then we spread out the old apple tablecloth and sat down to Mandie's favorites: peanut butter and jelly sandwich, bread and butter pickles, tortilla chips, and charamuscas- the Honduran version of ice pops. "Don't forget to pray for the food!" she reminded me. "How about you thank God for the food?" I suggested, and she gladly complied.
Who cares that our plate had a silly snowman on it while we sweated in the humidity and admired the coconut palms in the front yard?

Pausing between bites, Mandie turns to me with adoring eyes. "Thank you Mama!" "You're welcome," I reply, "I like to make picnics for you." She nods wisely. "I know you do."

The way Mandie relates to the many people in her life frequently inspires and challenges me. Not only does she love and accept each one unconditionally, but she also assumes that every person she meets loves her with the same passion! No wonder Jesus reminds us to be like one of these little ones.

I love two year olds! Their needs are so simple: someone to love them, an important place to fill in life, and occasional sprinkles on chocolate cupcakes...