T i m e   F o r   R e f l e c t i o n

The clean aroma of pine, the crackling fire in the open fire place, the very atmosphere is charged with anticipation. These ingredients spelled Christmas for many of our dear ones many simple years ago. Even though times have changed these simple ingredients still hold a bright spot in the lives of many young and old today. From Thanksgiving, all the way through the Christmas holidays, young people are excited about being out of school and the freedom to play all day. Older folk are anticipating the visits of family and friends and share long lost tales of yesterdays past.

It is times like these that enrich our lives and help us plan our future. As we sit at the long table at the holidays, my family and friends always share stories and tidbits of information from our past. These tidbits, and my own experiences and studies, help me when I set down on paper the notes for Critter Corner and the Manna. Life is full of experiences to be had that we can't put off until someday. Our natural world is changing every day, and a beautiful forest today is a parking lot tomorrow. Take time to teach and show your children and grandchildren Mother Nature's secrets while we have natural spots to go to. Children were so important to Jesus when He was on this Earth that He ignored His closest associates to allow time for the little ones. This Christmas season, more than any other, reminds me that nature played a large part in His life. He could have been born in a palace or even a very nice home but, He chose to be born in a stable, where animals were kept. Even now the sweet smell of hay and the feel of a little calf or baby goat, and that certain clean aroma behind their ears, is part of my past life that I'll never forget. My family made certain that puppies, kittens, birds, and yes, even snakes and mice, were part of mine and my brothers' lives.

This past year has shown me that the love of our Creator and the love of nature, rates at the top of the list with the members of McDonald Road Church. Many interesting phone calls and E-Mails have proven this. It is my sincere wish, that as this old year fades and the new one dawns, that each person will take a little more time to reflect on the world around you, and how God's love through nature can enrich your lives.

Burney Tompkins

    - Uncle Burney