We spent a lovely afternoon with some friends the other day. My girls had such a great time playing in the beautiful wooden cubbyhouse on the hill, leading to a slide down to the huge sandpit and a big trampoline.
The girls were reluctant to leave, (there is also a playground directly across the road from the house) and as we did a sort of sadness crept over me.
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We don't have a cubbyhouse or sandpit. Our trampoline is old and coming apart. Our backyard is a fair size by city standards, but there is no room for a swing set or other play equipment.
Yep, I was feeling like we aren't providing for our children well enough because of our financial situation.
And then today I received a letter in the mail that was such a timely reminder that I'm sure God is prodding me! One of my sisters - in - law is a religious sister and currently lives in Kolkata, India. She writes a letter a month and we get a copy. I'm sure she wouldn't mind my sharing these brief extracts from her letter.
"One form of poverty that I can't bear is to see women in raggy clothes that expose their bodies. Sickness, hunger, homelessness don't strip them of their dignity anywhere as much as nakedness does, and when I see them that glimpse remains as a very painful picture in my memory".
"... India which is a mix of great progress and primitive poverty. What is considered normal here is a shock to outsiders".
So I gathered a couple of camping tarps, headed out to the garden and cleared a little patch beneath some branches and between the lavender and arum lilies. One of the tarps went on the ground, the other suspended by branches.
Added a couple of girly faux flowers, patchwork blanket and pretty yarn, and that's it! They were so delighted and I was humbled.
I looked around the garden and gave thanks for the great things we do have, because there are so, so many.
The girls were reluctant to leave, (there is also a playground directly across the road from the house) and as we did a sort of sadness crept over me.
Image credit
We don't have a cubbyhouse or sandpit. Our trampoline is old and coming apart. Our backyard is a fair size by city standards, but there is no room for a swing set or other play equipment.
Yep, I was feeling like we aren't providing for our children well enough because of our financial situation.
And then today I received a letter in the mail that was such a timely reminder that I'm sure God is prodding me! One of my sisters - in - law is a religious sister and currently lives in Kolkata, India. She writes a letter a month and we get a copy. I'm sure she wouldn't mind my sharing these brief extracts from her letter.
"One form of poverty that I can't bear is to see women in raggy clothes that expose their bodies. Sickness, hunger, homelessness don't strip them of their dignity anywhere as much as nakedness does, and when I see them that glimpse remains as a very painful picture in my memory".
"... India which is a mix of great progress and primitive poverty. What is considered normal here is a shock to outsiders".
So I gathered a couple of camping tarps, headed out to the garden and cleared a little patch beneath some branches and between the lavender and arum lilies. One of the tarps went on the ground, the other suspended by branches.
Added a couple of girly faux flowers, patchwork blanket and pretty yarn, and that's it! They were so delighted and I was humbled.
I looked around the garden and gave thanks for the great things we do have, because there are so, so many.
7 comments:
It sure is amazing what we can create with what we have, good on you, cheers Marie
excellent perspective! such wisdom xx
Lots I want to say to let you know that you are doing a brilliant job - using your imagination to help the kids use theirs, being there for them...and lots more.
I often have to say to our kids that we are so rich, when you compare us to so many other people in the world, but then I find myself wishing I had more to give them too. I will now remember to keep my perspective too.
What a lovely post - I am often amazed at how easily children can be pleased with something simple.
What mattered most was that you created a space, just for them.
Thank you all for your lovely comments :)
I am sitting here on my Arabic cushions catching up on some blog reading and I read this post. It brings tears to my eyes and I thank you for that. You see I often think about "stuff" for the kids but it is not what they need. The need me playing with them not the stuff (cubby house has been on my mind). I know we may never meet but I want you to know how much I enjoy your posts. They are grounded, humble and full of love. Thanks again.
Yeah! It is sooo important...more than ever....to be in a space of gratitude and appreciation for where we are. To be able to hold that space, no matter what happens during the day, is truly transformational!!
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