"Follow me, Bop. I will protect you."

Grandson Rowan enjoys taking walks in the neighborhood. He notices every decoration. During October, he paused at each house and commented on the pumpkins, ghosts, witches and “Jack Bones” characters. If the blow up characters were not fully inflated, he told us (Bop and Mimi) that they were asleep.

Each morning and afternoon last week, Rowan and I took a leisurely stroll on our street. We paused at the pond and saw a baby alligator on the other side of the water. We laughed as turtles jumped in the water when we walked closer. Safety is always first, so we stay on the sidewalk, far away from the water.

From the moment the front door opened and we walked outside, Rowan began talking and sharing about everything he encountered. “Look, Mimi, that’s a cloud. Look, Mimi, that’s a truck. Look, Mimi, that’s a dog.” He shares his enthusiasm for life.

One house in the neighborhood had a life size witch standing by the front door. Her tall, pointy black hat and long green nose and pointy fingernails made for a scary sight.
Every time we passed by that house, Rowan said, “She won’t talk to us. Don’t be afraid.”
This decoration never made a sound when we walked by the house. Maybe things were different at night. Perhaps she made a scary sound.

Alan (Bop) arrived home from work early one day. Rowan wanted the three of us to take a walk. We started out on a nice slow walk, with Rowan explaining every decoration to Bop. “Look, Bop, that’s a pumpkin. Look, Bop, that’s a bones man. Look, Bop, that’s a ghost.” Once again, his enthusiasm was amazing.

The closer we came to the house with the witch, the slower Rowan walked. He stopped suddenly and turned to Alan. “Follow me, Bop. I will protect you.” Rowan slowly stepped, inch by inch, making sure Bop was following. I already knew about the witch, so I didn’t need protecting. :-)
Rowan paused in front of the house and turned to us.
“See, she doesn’t talk. It’s pretend. But, I will protect you.”

We stood still for a few moments. Rowan shared how the wind had blown her hat away. He also told us not to be afraid.

Then, as most 3 year olds tend to do, he began walking again and found interest in the next house and decorations.

Every moment with Rowan brings surprises and delights. This walk reminded me how God has told us not to be afraid. God tells us He will protect us.

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” NIV

No need to be afraid. When troubles or fear arises in life, look to our protector. God is the answer.

Have a glorious day and know you are loved and cherished.

Blessings,
Melissa aka Mimi

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