The flooded field was our skating rink. From Carole's bedroom window upstairs, we could watch the magic. In high summer, it was just an ordinary corner acre where we'd sing silly songs as we walked the rows of hay. Our job in those days was to kick the bales, turning them so they'd dry after it rained. We'd hardly notice the dip in the landscape as we sang, “The Bear Went Over the Mountain”, or “Found A Peanut”.

    But if heavy rains came just before a hard freeze, the transformation in that field was delightful. For our own private skating ‘pond', ice skates were optional. Boots would do. We could get a running start from the dry part of the field and glide quite a ways just in our old boots. The fun was free and wonderful.

    The refrain of an old song reminds us, “… the best things in life are free.' ” And so they are: the beauty of snow sparkling in the sun, the giggles of children, the warm hug of a friend, the enticing smell of homemade bread. So many great gifts from our Father are free, but priceless.

Perhaps they are given to whet our appetite
for what He has in store for us.

“… Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
nor have entered into the heart of man
the things which God has prepared
for those who love Him.”
(1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)

 

In His Love,