The Simple Things......

The other day, Malia came running excitedly to me, her sparkling eyes desperately pleading, and asked, "Mommy, can I please go out and play in the rain?" Now, mind you, this happened in the middle of a torrential downpour. And I do mean TORRENTIAL. But, you see, she had just received a brand new umbrella. A princess umbrella, nonetheless. And it was very important for her to try it out and make sure that it worked properly. What can one little storm do if one is equipped with a pink, frilly umbrella, after all? But I informed her that she would get absolutely soaked if she went out just then. So a little while later, when it was lightly sprinkling, she went outside and tried it out. And it worked great! She was in the height of her glory.

The next morning, it was raining lightly when the other kids left for school. Malia sweetly told Shana, "Hey, Shanie. Since it's raining, you can take my new umbrella to school today so you don't get all wet." Shana, however, politely refused. A nine-year-old can't be seen with a princess umbrella, after all!

Then, Malia insisted that we take our morning walk while it was sprinkling. By the time we went outside, however, the sun was shining. She insisted on carrying her umbrella, though, JUST IN CASE it started raining again.

She certainly is excited about her new umbrella! Sometimes I need that little reminder. I need to remember to take time to enjoy and get excited about the simple things in life. Even something as simple as a new umbrella ;-) And even if it's raining, I need to go out there and play in the rain. When the day seems stormy, to face it with a smile anyway and be thankful for what I have. The sun will shine again. And what can one little storm do when we have the right equipment, after all? A good attitude and a firm belief in Jesus Christ can help us weather any old storm that life throws our way. It's that simple.