Today
there was sudden wailing. Long and loud and oh-so-sorrowful coming from my baby
(though really, he is a very grown up four year old thank you very much!). I
went to investigate. He met me halfway, balling his precious little eyes (and
heart) out. In his hand, lovingly cradled, was his Squishy Man. With a leak. Friends,
there are only so many times a Squishy Man will squish.
He laid
his treasure to rest in the rubbish bin, then came and sat on my lap for a hug.
Pressing his face into my chest he wept some more. His darling heart was plain broken.
Apparently this was one very well loved Squishy
Man.
In an
effort to console him I suggested we would purchase another one – identical. The
idea was appealing enough to momentarily stem the flow of the salty torrent. Then
the cogs in my brain crunched into gear. Why not take the opportunity to create
a better, stronger, model? In less than
half an hour we had Squishy Man 2.0.
The new version
has somewhat different features. He does not squish in the exact same manner but
is still able to produce a giggle worthy face contortion. Better yet, it is made of more durable stuff. As a bonus,
this model also allows for the (sneaky) addition of soothing essential oils…
The whole
fiasco got me thinking.
Sometimes the Squishy Men have to die – in order to
make way for something better. It hurts to let go of the old, but the new will
be greater.
If you
are a regular reader you will know that I have been daring to dream. I was particularly grieved at the loss of Idea2.0. God has been taking me on a journey. Each time asking me to let go of my
version of the vision until finally Plan 4.0 is a goer! (Just need to finalise
the paperwork).
Excitement
flows through me! But this is not just about finally being able to put passion
into action. It is so much more. As I handed over my blueprints, releasing the
tight grip on my precious ideas, God has been able to point a few things
out. Improvements if you will. He is
showing me how to use what I already have. Ways to create something beautiful from
significantly less. I am reminded of the
old chorus…
“Something
beautiful, something good.
All my
confusion He understood.
All I
had to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But he
made something beautiful of my life".
I love it! This should be linked up somewhere..it's really cute. I have seen stress balls before, but never ones with smiley faces and tufts of hair. Those are so cool! I can see why children (and maybe even adults ;) ) would like them. Maybe sometime could you do a post about how to make a squishy man? I like that you added oils to it, and it would be fun to make one with my oils as well. The body of it looks easy enough to make, but I have no clue how you added oils or what you stuffed it with! Want to hear about vision 4.0 of course :) Great post. It made me smile and was touching too.
ReplyDeleteThank you...Perhaps there's another nifty notion?? But to satisfy the curiosity for now - he's stuffed with roughly ground rice. I added a few drops of ess. oil to the rice before stuffing the fabric. But being fabric, it's ok to just add a drop or two more when needed straight on the material. Will have to email about 4.0. Did you get my other emails? (I know you had some computer troubles). Blessings :o)
DeleteYes, it would make a good nifty notion I think. I did get the emails. Am bored from resting all day, so I will try to respond to another one :) Oh- I forgot to tell you I love the photo of you as a little girl. Such a HAPPY smiling face! Adorable.
DeleteGod's ways are not our ways and death brings new life!!! Great reminder. I may have to try the squishy men for my boys. They are a little older so I'm not sure if they will use it when they're upset, but I live to hear then break out in belly laughs. :D
ReplyDeleteI meant "I LOVE to hear them". Not live. Lol
DeleteGod's ways are not our ways and death brings new life! - What a great way to sum it up!! I threw the squishy man together so fast that he's a bit simple. Have since thought how to improve things some. Keep an eye out for Squishy Man 3.0... Blessings :o)
DeleteWhat a clever way to make the best of a "crisis" for your little one. Your title was a real attention-getter too. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail! Bless you heaps :o)
DeleteLoved your post and the new and improved "squishy man" :) I think it's awesome that you guys made it...that was probably a lesson in itself, to use what you have to create something even better!! Stopping by from Fellowship Friday, have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteI love being resourceful. I'm quite creative/crafty but don't usually talk about it here (as it's not the reason I blog) - all that to say it was precious to be able to get him to choose fabric/colours and quickly make it together. Extra special that way I think ;o) Thanks for stopping by - bless you heaps!
Deleteloved this piece, lizzy. (and really appreciate your profile thoughts, too -- they speak deeply to my soul.)
ReplyDeleteblessings to you, friend,
tanya
Thank you Tanya! I am touched that the thoughts speak to you. All glory to God!! Bless you heaps :o)
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