Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

The Blanket Flashlight

A while back, I was startled by a toy lizard that our grandson Rowan had left under a couch cushion. That experience gave me laugh-out-loud, tummy-rolling giggles. Yesterday, I found something that granddaughter Eden had left as a surprise.

There are many wonderful ways to use our imagination. I love how the minds of children work and how joy can be found in the simplest things in life. Ideas are endless and creations can come from anything.

Filling the bathroom sink with water and adding toy sharks so we can pretend to be shark hunters, wrapping baby dolls in blankets and singing sweet songs so the babies can sleep, or pretending to be clowns, there is always something exciting happening at Mimi’s and Bop’s house.

Recently, Eden and I found flashlights, turned off all the lights in the hallway, and started making shadows on the walls. We created butterflies, birds, dinosaurs, and bunny ears. Giggles filled the air each time we shaped something new in the shadows.

Two years old Eden has definite opinions about things. After making shadows, she led me to the living room couch and said, “Sit, Mimi. Sit.” Of course, I listened and sat on the couch.
Eden held her flashlight and looked under the couch, behind the couch, and shined the light on the ceiling.

Then, as children often do, Eden found something else that sparked her interest. “Outside. Outside.” She was ready for a walk through the neighborhood. We would look for birds, ant hills, airplanes, friends, and more.

For our walk on that day, we each carried a baby doll. Eden said, “Shoulders.” That meant I was to put my baby doll on my shoulders. I complied and placed the doll in the right spot and we continued with our journey.

After the time outside, Eden and I went back to the house and found our drink cups and a snack. Putting our dolls on their blankets and kissing them on the cheek, we left them in the playroom and went to the living room.

The afternoon had arrived and a time of rest would be good for Mimi and Eden. We snuggled on the couch and watched a “show”. All was quiet. We didn’t take a nap, but we did have quiet time.

Later that evening, Eden left to go home and be with Daddy, Mommy, and Rowan. I decided to clean the house the next day.

After a good night of sleep, my energy returned. Thinking about all the items that Eden and I had used for play, I noticed one of the flashlights was missing. I searched in the playroom, the bedrooms, the dining room, and the kitchen. No flashlight.

I noticed a blanket on the couch that needed folding. Walking closer I caught a glimpse of a light shining from under the blanket.

Yes! The flashlight that Eden had been using had been left under the blanket. The light was still shining bright. The mystery had been solved. Sometimes we make tents out of quilts, towels, and blankets. We always need a flashlight inside the tent. This one was shining through the darkness and had been shining all night.

Flashlights remind me of the ways we can shine the light of Christ and help lead others to know Him. We need to replenish the batteries from time to time. God doesn’t need batteries. His light shines forever.

When the night seems long and darkness comes, trust in God.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

32 Comments
  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 14:09h, 16 February Reply

    I miss those days with my kids. I still find toys when digging in the yard and in flowerbeds. Fun times! Have a blessed week, Melissa!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:42h, 16 February Reply

      How wonderful to find toys in the yard and flowerbeds. Fun times! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 14:15h, 16 February Reply

    You brought back fond memories of my own childhood and that of my children. I appreciate your devotionals.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:42h, 16 February Reply

      Thank you so much. I appreciate your encouragement. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 14:24h, 16 February Reply

    Kids love flashlights and they’re hard on the batteries. Even so, a worthy investment for moments of wonder. God bless, Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:43h, 16 February Reply

      Yes, kids love flashlights. I love sharing the “light” of Christ with the grandkids, too. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 14:31h, 16 February Reply

    Fun times! When my grandson was little, he liked to open and close a miniature cabinet on our front table by the door. I’d hide different things in there for him to discover. When he was even smaller, I’d find items from him in unusual places, like a whisk in the printer tray.

    I’m so glad Jesus is the light in our dark world, and will always shine.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:44h, 16 February Reply

      Love this! We have a small wooden box that Rowan and Eden are now calling the “treasure” box. They love to hide things in there and wait for Mimi to find the “treasure”. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 19:37h, 16 February Reply

    Melissa, what a blessing you are to your precious grand children and they to you. They will remember these days when they’re grown – how Mimi spent so much time with them and the creative fun. I love your comparison of the flashlight to the way we can shine God’s light in our world.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:38h, 17 February Reply

      Thank you June. I pray we all shine the light of Christ to everyone. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Robin Stearns Lee
    Posted at 20:00h, 16 February Reply

    Beautiful story, Melissa! Last time my grands visited I found Spider-Man stickers all over my bathtub. I had to leave them there for a few days to remember the fun we had. Grandchildren are such a blessing from God!!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:59h, 17 February Reply

      So sweet! Yes, I, too, have left stickers and other things throughout the house. Those precious “gifts” bring laughter and joy. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 14:38h, 17 February Reply

    We learn such beautiful lessons from our grandchildren. I enjoyed your day with Eden–reminds me of my time with grands. They are so loving, innocent, and creative. I wish we could bottle that energy and creativity to save for a day when we need a boost. We are so blessed that God loves us and sends His light through others. A wonderful reminder for us to be a light for Jesus. Thank you, Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:49h, 17 February Reply

      Thank you Katherine. I love how children can teach us lessons and remind us to enjoy the sweet moments in life. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 03:22h, 18 February Reply

    Such a cute story! I just shared your post on my author Facebook page.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:46h, 18 February Reply

      Thank you so much Melinda. You are such a great encourager! Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Jeannie Waters
    Posted at 03:58h, 18 February Reply

    Your beautiful story reminding me of finding toys in my potted plants after grandchildren’s visits. What a powerful message you shared from this story about the light of Christ, Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:46h, 18 February Reply

      Thank you Jeannie. What a wonderful surprise to find toys in your potted plants. Grandchildren are wonderful. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 11:33h, 18 February Reply

    Amen. May His light always shine within us and through us Ms. Melissa. You post may me stop to consider how much light I’m pouring into those “little ones” in my life. With the grands quite distant and grown up these days, I get my fill of youth with AWANA at my church. I love the time you and Mr. Alan are giving to your two grandchildren, and especially the wonderful lesson-filled memories you are making with them. God’s blessings.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:48h, 18 February Reply

      Thank you JD. I know you are a blessing to the AWANA group. I’m thankful God gives us little ones to bring joy and so we can share His love with them. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 16:26h, 18 February Reply

    Wonderful memories and my grandkids love flashlights. I always keep some around.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:11h, 18 February Reply

      Flashlights can be used for lots of fun activities for kids. 🙂 Keeping flashlights in the house is a great idea. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 00:48h, 19 February Reply

    Such fun times with Eden, Mimi. Loved your stories of the day with her, but especially the analogy of shining God’s light and never letting it go out!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:20h, 19 February Reply

      Amen. Fun times. Yes, shine His light in every moment. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 07:47h, 19 February Reply

    Eden sounds adorable! With your godly influence, the love of Christ shines brightly in your home. ✝️

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:18h, 19 February Reply

      Thank you so much Karen. Eden and Rowan truly bless our lives. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 15:15h, 19 February Reply

    What a fun memories you are making with your grandchildren! Yes, God’s light shines even in areas that are blanketed.

  • karenruhl
    Posted at 15:40h, 19 February Reply

    Another wonderful story. Having a one-year-old grandson, I could visualize your playtime with Eden. Thank YOU for shining God’s light through your articles.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:20h, 19 February Reply

      I love seeing photos of your grandson and hearing how you and Craig are enjoying his life and adventures. Precious times. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 17:02h, 20 February Reply

    Loved this story! And you are so right… we need batteries to replenish our lights here on earth, but God’s light shines on. Always.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:41h, 20 February Reply

      Thank you Jessica. Amen. God’s light shines on. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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