The Tomato Stand

A hotter than usual Texas Summer drains the energy of Mommy and Daddy. Their family has grown from one little boy filled to over flowing with energy and some impulsivity issues, a little imp of a two year old girl all smiles and bouncing curls and newest darling baby girl, eyes as big as demitasse saucers, all in need of attention and usually at the same time. Well, this Grammy knows the look of sleep-deprived parents, when she sees one, or two. There is that blank stare early on a Saturday morning that says there is too much to do today, to many places to be and not enough hands to get the jobs done. Justin, the Six year old is not going to enjoy Sister’s friend’s Two-year-old birthday party and surely a meltdown is on the horizon when he must pass up the cake due to food allergies.

To give everyone a change of pace Grammy jumps into action and takes off on the open road with Justin in tow. As we wind along country roads my focus being to listen for opportunities to relate to Justin and let him observe the drive and allow for him to communicate his impressions. Justin says, “Grammy, are we going on an adventure?” All little boys need an adventure, a hunt, something to concur. I said, “Yes keep your eyes open you just never know what is around the corner.”

First stop, a RV and manufactured home lot. The little pre-fabricated cabins looked like “Little House on The Prairie” and were great fun as we checked out all the closets, sinks, toilets and attic. Miss Heather, the sales person, was very impressed with Justin’s manors and the fact he remembered her name. When she made comment that she was surprised he remembered her name Justin said, “No I did not remember your name I saw your picture on the wall with your name.” Pretty smart, huh?

While driving through a run down lakeside community Justin commented that the people needed to clean up their houses, maybe wash them once and awhile. He has an eye for detail.

The next part of our adventure was really an opportune teaching time. You know those times that happen most days if we are not too busy to notice. As we snaked along a back road a sign caught my eye. “TOMATOES HELP YOUR SELF”. I say, “Justin I think I see another adventure back there.” Turning the car around we glide to a stop in front of a rickety vegetable stand, boards barely holding up a tin roof. We sit in the car, for a while and take turns reading the sign. He is so excited to find this place and to discover the sign is telling us to “Help Your Self If We Are Not Here, Put the Money In the Box”.

You would have thought we were Lewis and Clark on a great expedition. As we jumped out of the car on our way to the stand the teaching time began as I guided Justin to use the skills he had learned in Kindergarten while reinforcing Godly principals Mommy, Daddy and Grammy have lived out before him. I really wanted him to think through these processes. First he used his reading skills, then math skills. I held the plastic bag while Justin loaded the correct amount of tomatoes for the price indicated. Now the ethics came into play. The total amount we owed was $8.00; I had a Five-dollar bill and Two Ones and a Ten Dollar bill. We discussed if it would be ok to leave only $7.00. He thought about it and said no we owed $8.00. Now this is where it gets good. I asked Justin if it mattered that we did the right thing since there wasn’t anyone home at the house to know if we paid any money at all. He said, “God would know”. Out of the mouths of babies. Is it any wonder Jesus said, “Let the little children come”?

I asked Justin to look around at the yard and the house and tell me what he saw. Remember his comments earlier concerning the lakeside houses. He said, “Grammy we need to leave the $10.00 in the box to help them buy milk for their baby.” He saw a car seat in the old car next to the house. I told Justin I liked his idea and I was sure God did, too. He folded up the Ten and wiggled it through the slot in a beat up metal box. We prayed for the people in the house, before leaving, asking God to bless them and cause their crops to grow.

Little boys were born for adventure. In fact they were created for it. The Lord our God searches the hearts and minds of those he will call into service and he starts early. He is looking for just such a one as my Justin. A little Sheppard boy like King David, a boy not yet a man but; with a heart for God. A boy at this young age who cares about the things God cares about will be equipped for battle and adventure by King of Kings and Lord of Lords, King Jesus. In the coming years The World and the decisions made will be part of the honing process used to sharpen the arrows of righteousness that will be used to shoot at the heart of Satan. Justin your greatest adventures are yet to come! Remember to always press on in the strong name of Jesus Christ.

Love,

Grammy
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