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
TweetMailbox Slots…Don’t Do That!
Writing letters to friends and family is a joy. Finding colorful stickers to decorate envelopes and choosing the right card to send for a special occasion can be fun.
Visiting the local craft store provides a chance to bring out the creative side of my brain.
Walking each aisle to search for interesting cards, envelopes, stickers and possibly a small gift to give for a birthday or “thinking of you” occassion.
Bringing the craft items home, I arrange the various items on the dining room table and begin to assemble.
Looking at the calendar, I check for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and any other reason to send a greeting.
Pen in hand, I begin writing a note and signing the cards. Stickers attached, envelope sealed, address written and return address label attached, stamp in the top right corner. I am ready to walk to the mailbox and slide the envelopes in the mail slot.
How exciting to be sending greetings! I enjoy receiving mail and love sending mail.
Our neighborhood has a cluster mailbox. All of the boxes are located in one big metal container. Each home has a number and a key. We take the key and open the box to get our mail. The container is so tall that we have a footstool for people like me who can’t quite reach the top mailbox.
This past Monday, I arrived at the mailbox and prepared to place my letters in the slot. One by one, I checked each letter making sure there was a postage stamp affixed, return address and correct address of the person who would receive the letter.
All was well until I decided to stick my fingers a little too far into the mail slot, just to make sure the letters went all the way in the box.
Word of advice…”Don’t do that!” My fingers were almost stuck in the mailbox slot. I could have peeked at the slot. Instead, I chose to place my fingers in the slot.
Immediately, I pulled my fingers out and said, “Thank You Lord.” I was relieved my fingers didn’t stick in the slot. I could just imagine the emergency call.
“What is your emergency?
“Ah, my fingers are stuck in the mail slot.”
I could picture the person on the other end of the line sitting in shock, then saying,
“What did you say?”
Happy to report my fingers are well and I will not be placing those sweet fingers in the mailbox slot again. I will listen for the letters to drop inside the container. I will peek at the slot to make sure the letters are all the way in the box.
Have you ever done something so silly? Have you ever said out loud, “Thank You Lord.”
God is always with us, even when we do things that make no sense. I imagine God had a good laugh with me, too.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi