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

Marigolds and Miracles

“Press your pointer finger in the dirt and make a hole. Then, place the tiny seed into that hole and cover it with dirt.” The afternoon conversation with Grandson Rowan was filled with wonder. His imagination and thirst for learning bring excitement.
When Rowan comes to visit, one of the first questions he asks is “Mimi, do we have a project today? What are we going to work on today? Can we do science?”

On a warm spring day, planting seeds was on the agenda. After finding the gardening tools, filling each small pot with dirt, and opening the seed packets, we were ready to work.
I explained how we would prepare the soil, plant the seeds, give the dirt some water, and have patience while waiting for the seeds to sprout. I shared that bigger pots would be needed when the plants grew too large for the small containers.

Rowan’s eyes grew large as his little finger created holes in the soil. Having dirt under his fingernails didn’t bother him. Placing seeds in the holes, he covered them with dirt and laughed. “Those seeds are hiding!” He exclaimed.

After all the planting was completed and moisture was given to the dirt, we positioned the pots on the back porch where sunshine would be plentiful to aid the plants in growing. Standing from a kneeling position while we worked, I rubbed my aching back.

Rowan stood and took two steps back. Proud of his gardening efforts, he asked, “Mimi, what did you say these plants are called?”
“These are marigolds,” I answered and smiled.
“No, Mimi, these are not miracles.” Rowan believed I had said “miracles”.
“Marigolds,” I answered again.

Continuing, he explained, “God makes miracles. These are marigolds, right?”
“Yes, these are marigolds. They will be yellow and orange.”

Pausing, Rowan looked at the plants and then, at the sky.

“Yes, marigolds. God makes marigolds and God makes miracles.” Rowan responded with a smile.
I agreed and thanked God for the precious children in the world, and how He cares for all of His creations.
I look forward to teaching Granddaughter Eden, how to plant marigolds and look for miracles from God.

Blessings,
Melissa Henderson

It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade. (Mark 4:31-32 NIV)

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31 Comments
  • karenruhl
    Posted at 18:35h, 10 May Reply

    This is such a sweet article. I cannot wait to be able to do projects with Damien! Much love!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:03h, 10 May Reply

      Thank you Karen. I know Damien will enjoy fun projects with you and Craig. Hope to see you all soon. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 20:38h, 10 May Reply

    What a sweet time together!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:03h, 10 May Reply

      Yes, a sweet time! Precious memories are created with the simplest joys. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 20:46h, 10 May Reply

    Melissa, this little story brought a tear to my eye. How precious is your time with your grandson. He’s learning about God and His magnificent miracles.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:04h, 10 May Reply

      Aww….June, you are so sweet. I love sharing time with Rowan and Eden. They are precious. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Joanne Viola
    Posted at 20:47h, 10 May Reply

    This is so sweet. And now I will never look at marigolds without thinking miracles!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:04h, 10 May Reply

      Thank you Joanne. I love how God gives us great reminders of His love. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen
    Posted at 21:45h, 10 May Reply

    I love Rowan’s curiosity. How lovely that he understands that miracles come from God, and he ties the two together. The next lesson may be patience as he waits for the marigolds to grow, lol. I hope those flowers grow quickly. Blessings on your week, dear friend.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:06h, 10 May Reply

      Rowan is very curious about many things. haha! Eden is the same way. They are always asking questions. Bop and I try to answer each question. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 10:31h, 11 May Reply

    What a special little guy your grandson must be; and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty you say? You’re just going to have to get him out to the Cross-Dubya or another farm somewhere so he can meet calves, foals, and kids. Maybe even operate a tractor (he might need a little help to reach the pedals though). How you brightened my day ma’am. Thank you!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:42h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you dear J.D.! I bet Rowan would love to visit the Cross-Dubya. He is interested in so many things. He teaches me something new every day. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 12:08h, 11 May Reply

    God bless their time with Mimi to make wonderful memories. Thanks and God bless, Melissa!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:43h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you Nancy. Bop and I are very thankful to God for allowing us to share wonderful times with these precious children. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 13:59h, 11 May Reply

    What a sweet message Melissa. Out of the mouth of babes come such wisdom sometimes. Thanks for sharing

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:01h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. Yes, children can provide wisdom for everyone. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 14:41h, 11 May Reply

    You always pull me in when your message focuses on your grandchildren. Today, was an extra blessing because you described Rowan’s experience with planting. Putting grandchildren and gardening together? That’s a super blessing. Enjoyed you blog today. Thank you, Melissa!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:27h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you so much Katherine. I appreciate your encouraging words. We truly enjoy all the wonderful experiences of being Mimi and Bop. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Chandra Lynn
    Posted at 17:28h, 11 May Reply

    Yes to marigolds and miracles. Thank you for sharing this sweet moment.

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 23:22h, 11 May Reply

    So precious! Amen – God makes marigolds AND miracles!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:47h, 11 May Reply

      Thank you. Yes, God makes marigolds and miracles. Amen. Have a blessed weekend! Happy Mother’s Day!

  • Nancy Ruegg
    Posted at 22:38h, 12 May Reply

    What an insightful response from Rowan–God makes marigolds and God makes miracles! (Quite poetic too!) Isn’t it fun, the wonder and enthusiasm young children bring to our lives? When our middle granddaughter was a toddler, she collected “treasures” on every walk–sticks, stones, acorns, flowers, etc.–each one extra-special in her view! I learned, on close inspection, there WAS much to celebrate about such finds–the way buds expand from a stem in a spiral pattern, the over-lapping scales on acorn tops, the beauty of a granite pebble, etc. More miracles!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:27h, 13 May Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. Nancy, I agree with you. Children are full of wonder and enthusiasm and they bring those joys to our lives. Today, Rowan and Eden will be here and I’m sure there will be special projects. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

      • Nancy Ruegg
        Posted at 15:43h, 13 May Reply

        It WILL be a blessed weekend, as we celebrate Mother’s Day with family, including two of our grandchildren! Happy Mother’s Day to you also, Melissa!

  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 18:16h, 16 May Reply

    Sweet story! Precious memories. 💕

  • Lynn J Simpson, PLC
    Posted at 21:36h, 22 May Reply

    Very sweet! Children help us see God’s miracles.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:02h, 23 May Reply

      Thank you Lynn. Yes, children help us see the miracles of God. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jeanne Takenaka
    Posted at 15:27h, 07 June Reply

    Melissa, I love reading the stories of yours and Rowan’s interactions. You are such an intentional mimi. Such simple spiritual truths you two talk about! Beautiful.

    • Melissa Henderson
      Posted at 23:42h, 07 June Reply

      Thank you so much. Your words touch my heart. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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