That was until three boys entered my life, one by one. And with each baby boy that arrived, the further away I became of ever being able to walk from the car to grocery store (or into any venue for that matter) in one swift, uninterrupted, eyes-to-the-front movement.
These days, as we draw closer to door of the shop…just wait for it…"MUM!! Look at this!!" All the troops pause and we look to the ground where the excited finger is pointing. If during the pause we examine a crack in the road, a painted wheelchair parking sign or some melted bitumen, then we can keep walking and simply discuss the wonders of our finding.
If, however, the object of interest is able to be picked up, then we will be required to bring it with us, and it is clutched tightly in a little hand as we finally make it into the shops.
More often than not a small rock has been discovered and is brought carefully home to add to a prized collection of old bones, coins and feathers. It always amazes me the joy that a new finding brings and it is examined closely under a magnifying glass. More recently many rocks in their collection have been smashed with a hammer after the recent realisation that every rock can look vastly different on the inside.
Lessons from the young
I have rarely appreciated what is under my feet. I have rarely to take the time to look closely at the ground. The variety of rocks is simply amazing.
From the pen of my 7 year old, Jakin, "When you pick up a rock on the outside it looks old and boring but when you crack it open there is a chance there could be gold, maybe crystal or even diamond, red stone, gems or emerald. If you find a shiny rock it is not always good on the inside, like granite. This is just some advice on rocks". There certainly is more to rocks than meet the eye. Every glance brings something new.
Have you ever heard the term that God is our Rock? The Psalms have many references to this very concept. In fact, rocks were very significant in the history of Israel. "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower" (Ps. 18:2).
As the rock in the wilderness was a miraculous source of water and therefore life, God symbolized Israel's miraculous establishment (Samuel 23 verse 3). The word "rock" is equated with the idea of strength. Rock was used to build walls, fortresses, and towers in Bible times. God is our source of strength in times of distress and danger. God is also our refuge. Like Moses, we can hide in the cleft of "the Rock." God will care for us. "Rock" also typifies something about the nature of God. He is solid as a rock.
The "rock" symbolism continues in the New Testament with reference to Christ. He is the foundation, the chief-corner stone. He is the rock of offense to those who reject Him, but the spiritual rock for those who obey Him (Ephesians 2 verse 20, Romans 9 verse 33).
As we walk over the many terrains of life we have the one true Rock waiting for us to pause, to search for Him, to study Him, to delight in Him, to reach for Him. We miss so much if we rush through life without a pause. Don't miss those things God has for you by stepping right over His plans and rushing onto the next thing. Don't rush into the shops, missing a small little pebble.
That pebble could be life changing. Stop and take time in your life to seek and search the heart of your Father God, the Rock.
Laura Veloso is wife to John and the mother of 3 young boys. She is trained in child welfare and primary school teaching. John is a youth worker in local council. Together they serve as Youth Pastors and home group leaders in their local church. Laura also has interests in settling refugees, missions and rehabilitating battery chickens.
Laura Veloso's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/laura-veloso.html