A surprise blessing

      

     What is there about babies that makes us smile? Many stop everything at the sight or sound of a baby, just to gaze at the little wonder. Such was the case, when, earlier in June, I hosted a strawberry tea for fourteen senior ladies. 

     My very, new great-grandchild, Melissa Noelle, came by for an unexpected visit. Seeing a baby, reminds us of the wonders of a new life — so precious, tiny and full of promise. 

     It truly brought a 'spark of joy' to the eyes of my senior friends. As this great grandma feasted her eyes on the beauty and perfection of the latest addition to our family, I was over-whelmed with the realization that only a mighty God could lovingly create such an intricate, marvel of perfection. How wonderful to realize we are "fashioned by the Father."  

     "For you created my inmost being (the innermost centre of conscious life), you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

— Psalm 139: 13-14  

     Another 'surprise blessing' was mine one Saturday morning recently, when a phone call came asking if I wished to accompany my other great granddaughter, Evelyn Jane, for a visit to the Kangaroo Creek Farm Critters in Lake Country, a few miles from Kelowna. 

     

     I was delighted to accept, as kangaroos are animals I have always found most fascinating. Visiting there is an incredible experience for both young and old. 

     First off, at the joey station, we were allowed to take a turn cuddling the wee ones, (babies are called joeys), wrapped in a little blanket — a big hit with all ages.  

     

     Throughout the grounds, kangaroos and wallabies jumped about, or lay quietly in the shade. We were given tiny tree branches and allowed to feed the leaves to the animals. 

     To keep the kangaroos company, the owners, Caroline MacPherson and husband Greg Wightman (often dubbed "Roo Man"), has added other delightful animals and birds; peacocks; emus; parrots; baby goats; pot-bellied pigs; Big-Turk — an ugly but sweet, huge turkey strutting his stuff; Irwin, the albino wallaby, pink with pinkeyes; and the world's largest rodent (capybara), weighing up to 150 pounds. 

     

     Imagine the delight of Evie, a not-quite three-year-old, who is learning about all the many treasures of this wonderful world. Eyes that have not seen the world as ours have — so eager to explore!  I highly recommend a visit there, "to pet a roo or to hold a joey."  

     To spend time with my dear, sweet, precious great-granddaughters, was a lovely, unexpected, summertime serendipity. 

     Children are a special gift from God and we are to treasure them as God intended us to do. They can teach us much.      

Children, children, children! Noisy, rowdy, spirited! The whole house rings and echoes with their cries, their shouts of glee, Their sudden bursts of anger, shrieks of pain, convulsive sobbing when they've lost a toy, or argument. And then, what radiant smiles through tears, like rainbows in the rain. Children! Little bursts of energy and naughtiness, And cuddly mites who nestle on your lap and smile and sleep.     

— Unknown

— beulah