By: Charity Gutierrez
It has been misty for days. My boys had been pleading to go to the playground. I knew it would be muddy and wet- but we went anyhow. We got there and the boys wanted to slide so badly. But it is really hard to slide down a wet slide with dry pants- try it if you don’t believe me. So I had a random thought to use the foot mats from my van for them to slide down the slides through the puddles- (which just for a note works awesome!)
They slid much faster because the backing of the mats- like the bottom of a pair of cleats with raised plastic bumps- had very little friction against the plastic slides. And the front was soft and somewhat dry- drier than their bottoms would have been without it.) They were flying off those slides! Crashing into the muddy mats and grass. Pants soaked. They loved it.
Their shoes got soaked- so we just took them off. I followed their lead. I stepped out of my mommy shoes and I joined their world. We ran through the wet soccer field with bare feet- the sod was cool and soft from the recent rain. We got dirty and wet. I watched their faces light up and heard the great sound of their laughter. As an added blessing the baby was sleeping the entire time in her car seat so I was able to really play with them- throwing football and running free. It was more than fun- it was a touch of heaven here on earth.
One of my favorite moments was when my two year old stood watching my six year old run so far away to the other end of the soccer field. He looked at me- as if anticipating me to scold him and call for him to come back. But I said, “Catch Him! Go!” Oh his face was just awesome. His eyes popped and his smile burst. He turned and ran full blast. It was precious. As he ran I thought about running after Jesus. My young son didn’t say “He’s too far.” He saw a great distance where he had the freedom to run under my watch. He took off and never looked back. I want to run after Jesus like that.
So now their soggy and muddy clothes sit on top of my washer beckoning me back to the daily grind. Yet- I kind of like seeing them there. It’s like hearing God say, “Be free in me and I will clean up whatever mess is made after that.” And now in my purse is hiding a little yellow flower from my oldest son.
Thank you God for our trip to the wet playground, and for motivating me to make the right choice- to enjoy life and enjoy my kids. For teaching me through my kids as you always do.
So today I encourage you to do something you almost always say “no” to because it is just too much work or to messy to do. Go ahead and get dirty and enjoy being free! Don’t forget to thank God for all of your messes that He cleans up as you clean up from the fun.)
John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
