Summer Squash Turned Orange

By Hally Franz –

The exhibit hall doors opened promptly at 5 p.m. on Day One of the county fair, and eager children scurried in to see what ribbons they’d earned on this year’s 4-H projects. Among my son’s were two posters (building a rabbit hutch and planting a garden), a wooden bookshelf and two plates of homegrown vegetables. While he’ll be sharing his rabbit-cage-building skills and garden-planting savvy with 4-Hers at the state level, his tomatoes and squash garnered only red ribbons. The judge’s note on the squash tag said simply, “Too far along.” Apparently, the bumpy surface and slightly orange shade indicated a squash past peak.

Because squash plants grow easily and abundantly, it seemed a good bet they’d be ready for the fair. Green promises sprouted quickly from the ground once the seeds were sown. Within weeks, squash plants were sprawling over into rows of onions and tomatoes. Then almost overnight, yellow produce materialized in the mounds beneath the stems, stretching in size, morphing in color and pimpling up before we finished one row of weeding.

Isn’t it interesting how our children sometimes mature in fits and starts too? Their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth isn’t always consistent. A quick scan of a middle school classroom proves that. Sometimes, there seems to be little happening in their development. Other times, we glance away and turn back to find they’ve stretched out and are sporting an unfortunate pimple or two.

While my son needs some coaching on writing proper thank-you notes to the buyers of his rabbit, he needs no help selecting and purchasing a cordless drill with his earnings. From the silliness and angst of a pre-teen, occasionally there springs forth a puzzling comment of real maturity, thoughtfulness and appreciation. And, on more Sundays lately, I see wheels turning behind his dark brown eyes as he listens to our minister and considers his next step in his walk with Jesus.

I might miss a moment or two looking away, but I’m assured that neither he nor I nor any of us will ever grow “too far along” in our spiritual development. Unlike our human bodies that begin to deteriorate in our twenties or something (clearly, not a statistic worth committing to memory), our souls, hearts and minds will always grow stronger and healthier during a life-long relationship with our Lord. That promise brings more joy than a few squash sprigs poking from the ground and comfort in knowing I’ll never look like I overdid the spray-on tan.

PRAYER: Lord, encourage me daily to develop a more complete understanding of You and Your Word and a more intimate relationship with You, maturing in faith now and throughout my life.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18, KJV).

Hygiene Highway to Heaven

By Hally Franz –

“Ivan’s dental hygiene has reached a level of some concern…We may have to discontinue treatment in order to repair damage …Gums may have to be surgically …” After nearly completing the payments for my son’s orthodontic treatment and now only a few months from the anticipated braces removal date, these statements sent me into dental care overdrive and near death by embarrassment. The letter came from our town’s primary orthodontist, and a former schoolmate of mine. (Hence, the feelings of mortification.) Read more

The Battle for Peace

By Hally Franz –

As I observed my daughter and nephew molding the wet Atlantic sand of a Florida beach, I felt something rare and wonderful. These two sand-lovers dug holes that quickly collapsed when water broke through their gritty walls, and they erected castles that were as much fun to tear down as they were to create. Read more

Caught You Learning!

By Hally Franz –

My plan was straightforward, equitable and reasonable—I thought. My twelve-year-old would spend one-half hour each day practicing his trombone, and sixty minutes daily (Monday – Friday) reading a book of his choosing. His eight-year-old sister would dedicate one-half  hour each on multiplication tables, reading and writing a paragraph. The tracking chart was ready and start date scheduled for Tuesday, June first. Read more

Mowing Grass and God’s Direction

By Hally Franz –

 

I spent quality time with our Craftsman a few weeks ago. Though noisy and a bit rough, he has a powerful presence and can get the job done. And, he provides an opportunity for some solace and reflection in the process. No, I’m not referring to an extra-long devotion time with the Father of us all. Nor did I hang-out with a handyman my husband and I happen to have on retainer. We don’t, by the way.

 

No, I just rode our riding lawn mower for a few hours. Between my husband and sixteen-year-old son, it’s rare that I find a reason to do that. And, while I know mowing gets tedious by summer’s end, the time spent lapping the yard can be quite nice. The lush layer and smell of cut grass, the warm breeze on your face, the roar of the engine extinguishing all other sounds – it leaves you with only your thoughts.

 

When I was a kid, I ran the riding lawn mower. My father did the trimming and weed-whacking. I remember when he first demonstrated the task. He walked along as I traced the route prepared for me, and, if I missed a blade, he would point and yell “skip.” Methodical in all he did, he trained me well.

 

As I mowed our yard recently, I occasionally lost focus, so I had to look back to ensure I’d not missed anything along the way. I’d shift in my seat and check over my shoulder to make sure I didn’t leave sprigs and a job undone when my mind drifted.

 

Most of us try our best to make the right moves as we progress in life. We strive to cover our bases and seize opportunities. We work to maintain focus and attention, so that our misses and missteps along the way are minimal. But, as humans, that doesn’t always happen.

 

My reliable mowing machine relies on me to execute everything right. That won’t happen 100% of the time, in mowing grass or doing life. However, when it doesn’t, we have the assurance and insurance only He can provide.

 

If we keep our eyes on Him in our daily lives, we will make better choices. His guidance helps us do that, and, when we do falter and our minds wander, He is there to help us backtrack, retrace, redo or correct any problems we’ve made along the way.

 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, direct my steps today and every day, so I might make right choices. May those choices bring opportunities for me to serve and glorify You. And, Father, when I lose my focus on You, please pull me back and help me make right my misdeeds along my way.

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

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