My backyard, like my grandchildren, has grown through stages. A horse tire swing once hung by a tree limb, a swimming pool sat under the maple, a playground set took up a hunk of the back yard. Then, there were muddy places, bare of grass which were obstacle courses for small cars and trucks, a backyard sprinkler for running through the spray; all these things were enjoyed by two youngsters. Now, my grandchildren are grown and the back yard is bare of pool, swing, and playground set. It looks so pretty, with green, even grass. It also looks empty.
“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; but much increase is by the strength of the ox,” said King Solomon in Proverbs 14:4. In other words, if you don’t want a messy barn, don’t have an ox; however, don’t expect to have much in the way of bountiful crops, if you don’t have an ox to work the fields.
I’ve noticed that anything worthwhile comes with a price, but the end result is worth it. If I write, housework has to suffer. If I paint, believe me, it gets messy around here. And, if little ones are having fun in Grandma’s back yard, that back yard is going to show the wear and tear. No matter how green and smooth the grass is, it doesn’t compare to the voices of children. “Where no grandchildren are, the yard is clean; but much joy is to be had by the laughter of children.”
♥!
Thanks, Kimberly.