A Good Place to Sit!

“And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” *

It has become an annual tradition for our family to drive to Greenfield Village near Dearborn Michigan, on or around the fourth of July for a special outdoor concert and celebration of our nation’s birthday. Greenfield Village is an outdoor museum on about 80 acres of land, adjacent to the Henry Ford Museum. Early life in rural America is enacted there with a courthouse, church, many houses and workshops, several locomotive engines and a large village green.

This year we gathered with friends and family in front of a long stage on the village green where we set up chairs and enjoyed a picnic dinner before the concert. A fife and drum band dressed in costumes similar to those worn in past militias paraded past us as it circled the green.

The weather forecast for that evening had accurately predicted rain. In fact, the rain started falling before we even left home. So, we were forewarned and although it was warm enough outside for t shirts and shorts, brought rain gear just in case.

When we arrived in Dearborn the weather was mild, although the sky along the horizon seemed to be growing darker. The predicted rainstorm didn’t keep people away though. Hundreds of them congregated on the lawn for the show.

The United States Army band and chorus began with a series of popular hit songs that we all enjoyed. Lights and patterns danced across the huge screen covering the entire back of the stage. Afterwards the Detroit Symphony Orchestra gave a wonderful performance. Instead of being up on the stage this year our daughter, Shanda, got to sit with us down below and be part of the audience.

At some point in the concert, rain began to fall. There was a rustle in the crowd as people began taking out raincoats and umbrellas. It wasn’t terribly hard but lasted long enough to drench us all. Lawn chairs formed puddles in the seats, legs got wet, clothes were soaked…and yet the show went on. The MC for the evening congratulated the audience for staying! Who wanted to leave? The best was yet to come!

By intermission, the rain had stopped. The temperature was mild without a breeze. That enabled us to dry out a little, at least the outer layers! It was dark when the second half began. Grandson Nate got up from his chair and asked if he could sit on my lap. We found a blanket that was dry and put it over us as he plopped down on my soggy lap.

Now Nate is getting to be a big boy with long legs and arms. The small chair barely held the two of us. But how nice that he still wanted to sit with me! Those few precious moments took away my grouchiness and inner grumbling over the weather.

It wasn’t long before he hopped up and went to sit with his mom and brother. So, Al and I claimed the blanket, pushing our chairs closer together. That helped us stay warm through the rest of the performance despite being wet.

We wouldn’t have wanted to miss the Grand Finale anyway, no matter how hard it rained. Eardrum shattering blasts of cannons punctuated Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, followed by a great fireworks display. Another unforgettable Fourth of July celebration!

 Nate’s wanting to sit in my lap reminded me of the words of a close friend and Bible study partner, Robin, from our hometown of Springville. Robin said that whenever she was having an especially hard day, she would imagine herself sitting in Jesus’ lap and staying there for a while. What a beautiful image of the close relationship He desires to have with each of us! 

Feeling discouraged, defeated, disappointed? Climb into Jesus’ lap. Let Him wrap His arms of love around you and comfort you. We are never too old or too big to come to the Savior. I’ve been sitting in His lap a lot lately—a very good place to be!

 “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these…”

*Mark 10: 15,16 NIV