Chip: Coco, my mama said I could invite two friends over for my birthday. I was going to ask two boys from my class, but then I thought about Cooper and Carter who I don’t get to see as much, so I decided to invite them!
Coco: Aww, Chip that is so generous to share your special day with them.
Chip: And, Coco, could you please go to Decatur and pick them up?
Coco: Just for you, Chip! Just for you! (2 hour drive – piece of cake!)
So, the cousins’ weekend was born – complete with pizza, football, and a movie marathon. It all started with a comical parade as the boys rode around Chip’s driveway on their scooters, bikes, and riding toys! Then, right in the middle of all the fun and chaos, a gratitude moment popped up. As I watched the boys, I was reminded of this verse in 2 Corinthians 2:14:
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.”
The “triumphal procession” the boys were engaged in opened my eyes and my heart to an opportunity to develop a grandparent’s/caregiver’s perspective on our WOW word, gratitude. Thankfulness for God’s guidance in leading children to have a heart like Jesus and eagerness to see how they will “spread” the Word of God. Even in their own backyard!
Right then and there, I decided I wanted the grands to know the importance of being a “fragrance spreader!” And, since I am a sucker for anything scratch and sniff – cinnamon apples cooking, Gardenia blossoms, even baby lotion – I know I can help them to visualize “the fragrance of the knowledge of God.” Just imagine how heavenly the scent must be!
Each of these thoughts left me with a sense of urgency about my role as a “fragrance spreader!” So, starting today I’m sharing these with all my grands!
Ready! Set! Spread!
- Send a postcard of thanks. (One child carried her postcard around for a week!)
- Post the gratitude verse on YOUR refrigerator – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.(Read the verse with your child and insert their name!)
- Check out a gratitude book from the library. (Reading creates such a special bond!)
- Bake something delicious, then ask your child to take a deep breath, and ask “What do you smell?” (Tell them how the “fragrance of Jesus” smells even better!)
So, the best part of cousins’ weekend – gratitude! Thankfulness to witness the bond of love the boys share. Thankfulness that God continues to guide my daily walk and thankfulness He provides opportunities for me to be a “fragrance spreader!”
Coco: What was the best part about your birthday?
Chip: Spending time with my cousins!
Mr. Marc was our next door neighbor and often played songs on his guitar as the boys ran around in the backyard. As part of the Speer Family, he grew up singing gospel music and continues using his gifts to record hymns for CB&J today! These hymns are a timeless way to remind children about the character of Jesus, and we are grateful to be able to share these with you.