Small Creatures Not Welcome

We were getting ready to go outside yesterday and the boys were putting on their own socks and shoes. Upon inspection to be sure they'd completed everything required to go outside, I saw, to my prideful dismay, that Elijah had tucked his pant legs into his socks. Not usually one to focus lots of attention on appearance, this was something I couldn't ignore. I bent over and started to reverse the layering, but Elijah exclaimed, "Mama, I need it like that to keep out the small creatures!"


I literally had no response at first...then I said, "Well, better safe than sorry!"


I found out later that night, from Mike, that the boys had seen a program on Animal Planet where the hosts had tucked in their pant legs to keep out ticks...it all makes sense now! Although, I wouldn't put it past Elijah's imagination to mix reality with fiction, school fact with "Little Bear" fact or Bible story with story book. I'd like to think mostly that he was recalling part of this lovely poem I've been reading to them recently about God's wonderful creation.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

by Cecil Francis Alexander

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,

Each little bird that sings,

He made their glowing colors,

He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain,

The river running by,

The sunset and the morning

That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,

The pleasant summer sun,

The ripe fruits in the garden,

He made them every one.

The tall trees by the greenwood,

The meadows where we play,

The rushes by the water

We gather every day.

He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell

How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well.