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
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