Childhood Memories

It's funny the things you remember on a warm afternoon. Today I was thinking about my childhood and all the wonderful things my parents did to make it special. Money was tight as we were growing up so little extras always meant a lot. 

I remember one year when I was six or seven. Easter was coming and everywhere we went we'd see these tiny little chicks for sale. They had been dyed bright, beautiful colors - pinks, blues, greens, purples, and oranges. My sister, brother, and I thought they were the cutest things ever and begged for one of those little chicks. We promised the promises all little children make when they desperately want an animal - the promises to feed, clean up after, and care for the tiny creature. We whined and begged pulling on Mama's dress hem. The answer back then was always, "We'll see." We learned quickly that hint of hope usually meant "I'm sorry, we just can't afford it right now." But this one year, was different. Mama must have discussed our financial situation with Daddy and they'd found a way to grant our heart's desire. 

The following week, while out shopping with Mama, we passed a store with a huge crate full of colored chickies. Mama, instead of shuffling us away from the crate, walked with us toward it. Our eyes were big as saucers as we realized our desire to own our own chick was about to be fulfilled. Reaching down to touch the soft, downy fur of the baby chickens, Mama looked up at us and asked each of us which color we'd like. I don't remember who chose which color bird, but I do remember how surprised we were to understand that each of us would get to take home our own little chick! 

After we'd made our selections, Mama paid for our chicks and we headed home. We had each been given a tiny little box with round little air holes poked in it so our chick could be kept safe for travel but also be able to breathe. All the way home, we giggled and laughed at the little peep, peep, peeps calling out from the boxes. When Daddy got home from work, we couldn't wait to show him our prizes. I think he got as much or more enjoyment out of the baby chickens than we did. 

We took care of our little birds as best as we could but they eventually died. Perhaps it was because we didn't have chicken feed, or perhaps they had been affected by the dye, we really didn't know. It was a sad lesson for us as children. But there was another lesson we learned from the chicken story and it's one I didn't learn until much later in life. The lesson I learned, as I thought back on this many years ago, was that my parents wanted to give us good things. They wanted to bless us and shower us with gifts. Although finances prohibited them from doing all the things they wanted to do, they did what they could. 

What a great reminder of our Heavenly Father's love. If our parents knew how to give us good gifts and made sure to provide all they thought could make us happy, how much more would our Heavenly Father do for us?  The Bible says, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." Matthew 7:11

We may have never gotten those little chicks if we hadn't kept on asking and begging for them, but since we did, our parents heard and answered. The same truth goes for us when we bring our petitions before God. We need to keep on asking because He wants to give us good gifts! He wants to bless us. 

The tiny little feet of the baby chick still tickle the palm of my hand. I can still feel the downy softness of the feathers against my check. And every year, as Easter comes, I can't help but think about the sacrifice my parents made to buy us those chicks. Oh, they probably only cost a dollar or so each, but that was a lot of money back then and could have been used to buy something much more important but love makes sacrifices. Their love was great but God's love was even greater. Their sacrifice was heartfelt but the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross was incomprehensible. 

What do baby chicks have to do with Easter? Nothing really. They might symbolize new life but other than that, they're just plain cute. When they grow up, the cuteness leaves and the chickens end up as dinner on our plates. 

This year, when you think about Easter, perhaps you'll remember my story of love and sacrifice but instead, I hope you'll think about so much more...think about Jesus. Think about His love and His sacrifice.