Don’t Step On The Ant Hill ... by Melissa Henderson

Our neighborhood has great areas for taking leisurely walks. A couple of times around the block and my fitness tracker shows numbers that encourage me. Those numbers on the screen show that my daily step goal is close to my target.

Part of walking in a friendly neighborhood is the opportunity to visit with friends and also, view wildlife. From gators to turtles to herons, egrets, and eagles, there is always something to enjoy. Listening to the sounds of nature and viewing God’s creations makes me happy.

The best sound is when I hear the laughter of children playing. Families gather in yards to visit and share the latest happenings. Games of tag, throwing frisbees, riding bicycles, and decorating the sidewalk with chalk are just some of the fun activities that bring joyful sounds.

A few days ago, our son Mike came to visit. Rowan and Eden accompanied their Daddy while Mommy stayed home to take care of some things on her ‘to-do’ list. The day was sunny and perfect for a nice walk. After putting on our shoes and making sure almost two years old Eden had a babydoll to carry, we started on the way. We decided to walk to the pond and look for the alligator and the turtles. Rowan is teaching Eden that we don’t get near the water. The rule is that we stand on the sidewalk and look. Of course, she truly doesn’t care about the gator. Eden likes to look for doggies.

As we approached the pond, we all held hands. I pointed to the gator sunning itself on the other side of the water. “I don’t see it, Mimi,” Rowan stated.

Dear son, Mike, suggested to Rowan, “Hey buddy. Do you want to get on my shoulders so you can see the gator?”

“Yes, Dad.” Rowan was ready to be lifted up in hopes of seeing that gator.

As Mike took a step to reach for Rowan, one foot stepped on the grass and onto a dreaded red ant hill. The sting of the red ants caused him to jump.

“Oh, no! I stepped on the ant mound.” Mike began hopping from one foot to the other while trying to kick off his shoes.

After a bit of foot shaking and shoe kicking, the ants were gone. The pile had been disrupted and those pesky red ants were moving rapidly back to the center of the nest.

Perched on Daddy’s shoulders, Rowan saw the gator and wanted to know why he wasn’t bright green. The mind of a five-year-old boy is amazing. A simple answer of, “Gators are a darker green,” was all that was needed.

The ant hill made me think of how quickly we can step onto the wrong path. Instead of being thankful to God, sometimes we forget to give thanks and complain about what might be missing from life.

Mike, Rowan, Eden, and I continued our walk. We waved hello to neighbors, pointed to birds flying in the air, listened for animals, and giggled all the way home.

In every moment of every day, I pray I will be intentional about following the path God has for my life. I don’t want to get stung by any unwanted ant hills.

Have you shared a conversation with the Father today? He is waiting. You are loved.

Blessings, Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at https://www. facebook.com/melissa.henderson.9440

Read her blogs at: https://melissaghenderson.com/ It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons

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