Plastic cows and rubber men

¹ What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to.

(I John 3:1)

A few years ago, my grandson began an ongoing game with me.  Whenever he is over, he hides either a little yellow rubber man or a plastic cow.  Sometimes it is cleverly hidden under the protection of the lampshade and not evident until the light is turned on.  At others, it is right out in the open, but is concealed by its surroundings (like the day he hit it on my bed quilt).  

This may seem like a silly game to most, but it has particularly important meaning to me.  Each time I see that little cow or find the hidden yellow man, I recognize that my grandson has been "in my presence".  He has been in my space.  Now, that may not be significant to some, but to me, that is a huge thing!  As important as it is that he has been here, it is a reminder to me throughout the week that he is in my life.  As I see that little plastic critter, I remember him, smile inwardly and think upon what a blessing he is in my life.

Sometimes, at the end of a particularly busy week, when that cow gets moved, I find refreshment in having the joy of discovering its location.  There is an expectation that it will not be in the same place it was before.  If it is, I almost am disappointed that it did not get moved this week.  

Now, you may think that is pretty lame for a woman in her 50's to be looking forward to the discovery of a plastic cow (and not a very pretty one, I may add), but it is the delight of my heart to know that my environment is a thing of comfort for my grandchildren.  I am delighted to know that they don't think it taboo to place that cow among the books, hidden in a drawer, posed in the shower, or perched on my computer desk.  They know they have freedom of access to both me, and my environment.

You know, God is pretty much like my grandsons.  He may not hide a plastic cow or a little yellow rubber guy, but he has great delight in keeping things fresh for us.  He comes into our "space" and moves things around a little, just to keep us fresh and renewed.  He also takes great delight in hiding little nougats along the way that will challenge us in the discovery of them.  One other thing, God treats us like family!  He makes himself comfortable in our lives because we have given him access to do just that.  

So, in the week you've had, have you discovered your "plastic cow" from God?  Has there been any delight in that discovery.  If not, maybe it is time you begin to look for that special blessing he has for you in the discovery of where he has been in your life this week.  He has crossed your life many times, and he usually leaves "signs" of his crossing, much like my grandson leaves signs of his by that little plastic cow!