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

Rescuing the Slugs and Talking About Science

A recent walk to the mailbox brought adventure, learning, and talking about science. Rowan and Eden were visiting. I asked if they would like to mail a card to a friend. Our neighborhood has a cluster mailbox area and we often walk, chat, and visit with neighbors.

On that morning, the sun was shining, birds were singing, and we were the only three people outside. As Rowan, Eden, and I walked on the sidewalk, we talked about nature. I asked for them to notice what kinds of sounds we could hear. 

Because of spring break, there weren’t many cars passing by and we didn’t hear engines. I paused and put my hand to my ear. “Do you hear any people talking?” No voices. All was quiet.

Next, I pointed to the sky and described the colors. The color blue filled the sky. We only spotted a few white puffy clouds.

Rowan spoke next. “Mimi, let’s be scientists. We can save the world.” Eden agreed. “Yes, save the world.”

“What do scientists do?”, I asked.

“Mimi, they do all kinds of things.” As Rowan looked at his surroundings, he began listing ways scientists help the world.

“Mimi, scientists help our planet. They find out about nature and other stuff.” Rowan looked down at the sidewalk and found several small slugs traveling from one side to the other. 

“Hey, let’s rescue the slugs. Let’s be slug rescuers!” Rowan clapped his hands.

“Yeah, let’s rescue buggies.” Eden was ready to help, too.

The night before had brought rainfall. Grass was damp, and the soil was wet. Slugs were abundant. Knowing that we shouldn’t touch the slugs, I suggested we find ways to help the slugs move off of the sidewalk and on to the grassy areas.

Rowan and Eden started sharing ideas. “How about using a rock? Maybe the slug will climb on.” Rowan tried that method and, unfortunately, more than one slug ended up being smeared on the sidewalk. I thought Rowan might become upset, but he kept trying.

Eden found blades of grass to help the “sluggies”. But the grass wasn’t strong enough. Her interest faded when she saw bluebirds and butterflies.

Next, Rowan tried using a piece of mulch. “Come on, little guy. You can do it. Climb on this mulch stick and I’ll put you in the grass.” 

At last, success. A small piece of mulch worked to rescue the slugs. After we helped many slugs of different sizes into the grass, we continued our walk.

We placed the letter in the mailbox and walked back to the house. Along the way home, we chatted more about science and how we can learn from all of God’s creations. Slugs are slow and sometimes they need help.

People need help, too. God calls us to love one another and show compassion and care. In these small lessons about slugs and science, Rowan and Eden and Mimi were reminded of God’s love. 

Have you learned anything new recently about science, slugs, or how to show care to God’s creations?

Yes, we washed our hands after helping the slimy crawlers.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

22 Comments
  • Carol Souders
    Posted at 14:54h, 08 April Reply

    Quiet time is good for the soul and reflection. Love how you work with your grandchildren.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:22h, 08 April Reply

      I agree. You and I both enjoy working in the garden and enjoying quiet time. Sometimes that quiet time involves slugs. haha! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 15:29h, 08 April Reply

    Not too many slugs in these parts, but after a good rain we get crawfish (they call them “coffin cutters”) that dig their way out from underground and we find small little mounds all around the yard. Most make it back underground, but some don’t. We don’t help them as the birds feast on them. Ah, the cycle of life.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:35h, 08 April Reply

      Oh my! I’ve never heard of crawfish being called “coffin cutters”. I learn something new from you every day. 🙂 Life is interesting. God gives us many opportunities to learn about His creations. Blessings! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 18:13h, 08 April Reply

    Using the mulch was a good idea! I love how God weaves lessons through all creation.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:42h, 08 April Reply

      God gives us many ways to learn about His creations. Even slugs can offer a lesson or two. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Lisa Quintana
    Posted at 02:38h, 10 April Reply

    You are a good Grandma. I am not sure I’d be so quick to help the slimy slugs! ha ha

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 13:25h, 10 April Reply

    I’m like Lisa. I’d be quick to say, “Yuck!” and run back inside. Great lesson for the littles and the grown-ups. God bless!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:43h, 10 April Reply

      Haha! I’m thankful that the grands don’t like snakes. I love how God inspires the creativity and imaginations of His creations. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 13:30h, 10 April Reply

    Loved your message, Melissa. We can learn so much from children, if we’re patient and listen. You’ve given us a wonderfu example. I confess, since slugs do so much damage in the garden and flower beds, I tend to do the opposite of rescuing. However, God created everything for a purpose and it’s wonderful that Rowan and Eden wanted to rescue the “buggies.” Thanks for an uplifting message to brighten this cloudy day.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:44h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you Katherine. I am learning something new every day from Rowan and Eden. They make us laugh and bring great joy. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 13:31h, 10 April Reply

    I love the way you encourage the children to be observers of their surroundings.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:45h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you June. Nature is amazing. God’s creations are inspiring. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Yvonne M Morgan
    Posted at 21:37h, 10 April Reply

    Ewww. Just kidding. What a beautiful lesson for your grandchildren and for us. Thank you for sharing this lovely message of hope Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:41h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. I totally understand and am glad Eden didn’t get upset by the slug smear on the sidewalk. haha! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 05:37h, 11 April Reply

    Mimi, you are a wonderful teacher! God gave you the gift of patience in abundance. Letting the children explore ways to solve their problem (and experience success) is the mark of a great educator. Eden and Rowan are very blessed!

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

      Karen, thank you for your kind words. You have touched my heart. I love sharing time with “the littles” and learning from them. God gives many blessings in every moment. Have a blessed day dear friend. 🙂

  • Melissa McLaughlin
    Posted at 18:02h, 12 April Reply

    Melissa, it’s such a joy to hear about your adventures with Rowan and Eden! The simple curiosity about our world recaptures the wonder for all of us. They must love to spend their days with you! May we all enjoy God’s creation and His love like a little child!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:31h, 13 April Reply

      Thank you Melissa. I learn many wonderful lessons from Rowan and Eden. Their curiousity is contagious. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 20:26h, 12 April Reply

    The best talks always come on walks with little ones!! How sweet! Thanks for this reminder.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:32h, 13 April Reply

      Yes, I agree. Walking and sharing about God’s creations is truly a wonderful way to share God’s love. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

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