Through the Eyes of Hope
    Children have a wonderful way of looking at the world.  Maybe it's because they are closer to the earth, and therefore closer to their creator, I'm really not sure where the answer lies. But recently It was brought to my attention by a picture my sweet grand daughter Hope drew for her Granny & Paw-Paw. (Granny would be me)
   She drew a picture of our little cabin home and presented this labor of love to me, with shining eyes of satisfaction.
   It was a wonderful picture, with colors carefully chosen, and happy details, leaping from the page.
    It holds a place of honor on my fridge, and each day it brings a smile, and the sweetness of Hope.
    I've spent a lot of time marveling over the little details in this picture , and in doing so, I realized every subject in her picture, is something which brings her pleasure.
























 

 
  Hope loves nature. She is "in tune" with God's creations, and is happiest when she's right smack in the middle of it, touching, feeling, learning, and living!
  Now as I gaze at the picture, I see the cabin in a much different light.
   There is the porch swing, which I must admit brings me a lot of pleasure too, the long tree swing, which has furnished many children, big and small the ride of a life time,(I've discovered you're never to old too swing) our beloved Border Collie O.D.
who came to us abused , and unwanted by previous owners, (now 13 years & 9 puppies later she is an important part of the family)
  On the right is Hope & her cousin Brooke's walking trail, complete with a sign at the head of the trail (Paw-Paw and I made a trail for each grandchild, taking great pains with signs, painting, carving the names of each one, marking a permanent spot in history, & in our hearts)
  Hope didn't forget the walking sticks; They set in a basket on the porch, each one collected from, different places we've traveled, different sizes, one for even the smallest walker to grab, as they head for the trails in the woods.
  She didn't forget the musical instruments hanging on the wall, or the outside clock &  dinner bell) (two very important things to have when you're deeply involved in the adventure of the day, and its lunch time!)
  I smile when I see the red tulip in my kitchen window and the angel in the loft window.  These are things which bring me pleasure, and it warms my heart to know that Miss Hope enjoys them too, enough to include them in her awesome art.
  On the left you will see a bird. I'm not sure, but I'd bet it's a blue jay.
  I have rescued two baby blue jays, who were injured, and without parents. They are now, like O.D. , a very important part of our lives, and Hope loves them.
  She has an un canning understanding with all of God's critters, and they respond to her in a way that's amazing to see.
   I love looking at the cabin, through Hope's eyes. There is nothing in need of repair, nothing unsightly, only things that bring us joy. 
  The sun is shining...and it's a perfect day.
   Lord help me to remember to look for the joyful things each day...and thank you for all of my precious grand children. I love them dearly.
    May I never grow too old to look at the world...through the eyes of Hope.
                                                                                       -Bobby Smith (Granny)
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