15 April 2011

A-Tiskit, A-Tasket


“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.
And always be thankful.” - Colossians 3:15

A-tisket a-tasket
A green and yellow basket
I wrote a letter to my love
And on the way I dropped it,
I dropped it, I dropped it
And on the way I dropped it.
A little boy he picked it up and put it in his pocket.

The words of the simple children’s rhyme written above date back to the late 1800’s. I remember the first time I heard it was in elementary school. Standing on the playground in a circle with my friends, we’d joyfully sing the song while a person would skip around the outside of our circle and drop a handkerchief behind an someone unsuspecting. That person would pick up the handkerchief and chase the dropper. If caught, the dropper had to tell the name of their sweetheart. Oh, the joys of childhood... a time of innocence, fun and peace-filled days.

Times change, we grow up and life goes on.

This week my mind has been filled with thoughts of childhood games, Johnny-jump-ups, and memories of loved ones. Over the past few weeks, two very dear friends have each lost a family member. It’s an incredibly sad time for them, and my sympathy goes out to both families. As I thought about their loss, I realized that for me personally, my healing process has usually included the joy found in memories of times spent with the person I loved and lost.

When I was growing up, Easter was a time when both sets of my grandparents would come to visit and we’d all dress up in our Sunday best, worship together, take lots of pictures and enjoy some great food. I love looking at the old pictures and remembering our cherished times together. I find that God joins me in my memories and brings me peace. My prayer is that in time, my friends might also be able to find peace and joy in their memories.

It’s Friday, Let’s Sparkle.... action required... Back in the day, one of our typical Easter baskets would include such things as.... hollow chocolate bunnies, Peeps, silly putty, bubbles, a brand new jump rope, jacks, and plastic eggs filled with lots of jellybeans. It makes me smile just thinking about it!

Do you know someone that could use a smile... a bit of peace & joy? Why not make an Easter Blessing Basket and deliver it to a neighbor or a shut-in? It doesn’t have to be a fancy or costly basket... a little colored grass and a few treats, and maybe something just for fun... like silly putty! As you deliver your goodies you could also write a special message along the path with sidewalk chalk.

A-tisket a-tasket, let God fill our blessing baskets. Bring joy to someone this Easter and you may even find an opportunity to share the Good News of Christ along the way!

“Hippity-hopping” through the weekend with a bit of God’s joy!
Peace, Donna Weaver

Compassion is a beautiful thing....
when we feel the pain of others
we know our heart is right with God.
- Donna Weaver

2 comments:

Colin, Juanita, Ian, Brooke and Gavin said...

Love your post today Donna! Brings back many fond memories from my childhood as well. I remember so much joy in going to church on Easter Sunday then we would all run out back of the church and hunt eggs.... followed closely by the pancake breakfast! Yes, those were wonderful times! Blessings to you my friend for a great week!

Maxine said...

Loved your memories in your post! WE all think of those moments when we are missing loved ones!! I remember Church with Mom & Dad and then easter eggs!! I miss coloring them with my son Jason too!! HE loved looking for them!! YOUR posts are all the more special to me now that I feel I know you!! BLessings to YOU & much LOVE!!