The Chalked-Up Pavement

Several weeks after I moved into my current home in September of 2007, I fell and broke my right foot.  Although I was off work for two months, I really spent the rest of the winter somewhat in pain with mild depression.  On one of the last warm, sunny, beautiful days of that Fall season, I looked out my second-story front window and beheld a wondrous sight in the large, circular cul-de-sac where I live.  The neighborhood children had taken colored chalk and drawn pictures all over the entire pavement!  It was so lovely!  I don't even remember one specific drawing but I remember thinking, "Yes, I'm going to like it here."  And I still do.

A neighborhood without children would be so lifeless and dead!  I can't imagine a world without little ones here and there.  All the other homes on the cul-de-sac and my neighbors on the street connecting it have children of various ages.  Sometimes the families pile into their SUVs, everyone carrying sports or picnic equipment.  Sometimes there's a basketball game on a driveway.  Many days the younger ones will ride their bikes in circles in front of the houses or on the sidewalks.  There's always a watchful parent or two or three, sitting in a lawn chair.

There's a difference between the children now and those in Danville, Kentucky, the small town where my children grew up.  Back then, all the kids nearly lived outside in the summers.  There was no air conditioning in the houses - just big fans - so it was cooler out-of-doors.  A large bunch would just take turns in the various yards.  Now, the children come out when it is cooler in the spring or in the evenings in summer.  It's fun just to watch them.

My house has a steep driveway and a hill in the front yard which the children like to use.  Good!

What about you?  Do you like to see children around your neighborhood?  I saw a newspaper article today about couples who were childless, by choice. How sad!  There are so many couples who are unable to have their own babies.  We should spread around those who don't or can't want the babies to those who would like them!

With folks living well into their 80s or 90s these days, there's so much time to "do your own thing."  Children are exciting, challenging, never boring, cute, needy, fun, sometimes demanding, but always fulfilling.  Take the challenge and go with it!

Lord, help me understand these changing times.  Help me see the positive and the good.  Help children be appreciated for what they are, your gifts to the world!