Raggedy Ann or Annie, as she was affectionately known, came to live with us before Daughter# 2 ever walked through the door to her 1st grade class room. Annie was a birthday present and from then on, she played a big part in our lives.
Annie has seen a lot of faces over the years; faces that have kissed her many, many times leaving slobber marks on her rosy cheeks. She has heard many stories over the years; stories of make believe from little girls, up to and through the stories of heartbreak with a boyfriend. She has lain beside a child and listened to books being read. She has comforted a child, who was sick and running a high fever. Annie's face still bears the stains of little girl's tears. There's a mark that is brown now but was bright red with blood from Daughter # 2's lost tooth.
Annie has seen a lot of faces over the years; faces that have kissed her many, many times leaving slobber marks on her rosy cheeks. She has heard many stories over the years; stories of make believe from little girls, up to and through the stories of heartbreak with a boyfriend. She has lain beside a child and listened to books being read. She has comforted a child, who was sick and running a high fever. Annie's face still bears the stains of little girl's tears. There's a mark that is brown now but was bright red with blood from Daughter # 2's lost tooth.
Annie has seen two generations of love in her near half a century. All three granddaughters have loved on her from the time they were able to walk until they were grown.
Annie's sweet little blue flowered dress has a rip in the sleeve because her attire has been changed many, many times to fit the occasion at play time. Her red rag hair has fallen out in places due to the many combings and stylings over the years. Her little painted on black shoes are worn and dirty on the toes from being dragged around the house or outside through the dirt. Yet, her big, black button eyes and smile have stayed fixed through the years.
And, Annie's little painted on heart still says "I Love You" and if you listen closely, you can almost hear it beating.
Every child, no matter how old they are needs a companion they can confide in; a comforter when they aren't feeling their best. Annie has fulfilled that need in our family. Today, she is tucked safely away in our spare bedroom, in a box with other stuffed friends awaiting the day when a third generation discovers her charms.
Each of us needs a companion, a confident and a comforter. Jesus knew that and in His love for us, sent us just that in the form of His Holy Spirit.
How many of us take advantage of His free gift? How many of us call on the Holy Spirit when we need comfort or just need a shoulder to cry on?
"But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you." John 14:26 (Amplified Bible)
Annie's sweet little blue flowered dress has a rip in the sleeve because her attire has been changed many, many times to fit the occasion at play time. Her red rag hair has fallen out in places due to the many combings and stylings over the years. Her little painted on black shoes are worn and dirty on the toes from being dragged around the house or outside through the dirt. Yet, her big, black button eyes and smile have stayed fixed through the years.
And, Annie's little painted on heart still says "I Love You" and if you listen closely, you can almost hear it beating.
Every child, no matter how old they are needs a companion they can confide in; a comforter when they aren't feeling their best. Annie has fulfilled that need in our family. Today, she is tucked safely away in our spare bedroom, in a box with other stuffed friends awaiting the day when a third generation discovers her charms.
Each of us needs a companion, a confident and a comforter. Jesus knew that and in His love for us, sent us just that in the form of His Holy Spirit.
How many of us take advantage of His free gift? How many of us call on the Holy Spirit when we need comfort or just need a shoulder to cry on?
"But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you." John 14:26 (Amplified Bible)
No comments:
Post a Comment