Divine Directions from the Car Seat
Thirty-One Meditations from God through Reagan to Me and Now to You
by
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Polka Dot Pizza
Sometimes there are encounters so precious that you never, ever forget them. And the “trigger” that the memory is associated with is forever personalized in your mind and heart. From now on, every single time I see a pepperoni pizza, I will think of Reagan’s delightful explanation of it.
Reagan was telling me that there was a “Donimos” (Yes, it is spelled correctly!) right next to her daycare center and that she and Mommy just went there to eat. When I asked her what she had, she very thoughtfully told me that it was round, red, and it had polka dots! Is that adorable or what! Yep, from now on, pepperoni pizza is now permanently re-named: polka dot pizza!
That sweet exchange reminded me of another recollection that I have enjoyed for more than fifty years. Every Spring, my parents would take my sisters and me to Georgia to see our sweet Aunt Bitsy. It was a long car ride from New Jersey and with great anticipation, we looked forward to being with her. During one of our visits, she repeatedly told us about a wonderful new ice cream place that was about ten miles from her house. We were extremely happy about going there but with the way Aunt Bitsy drove, it took an enormously long time. If her shiny little gray Lancer car ever went over twenty-five miles an hour, I was never fortunate enough to have been the passenger. Oh well, the ice cream was supposed to be wonderful and Aunt Bitsy was so looking forward to taking us, that even if we were just going to eat ice cubes, it would not matter. We were with Aunt Bitsy!
So, when we finally arrived at the much talked about ice cream place, we saw that it was a Dairy Queen. Really? Dairy Queen? Those places were all over New Jersey and that was nothing new or special for us “city girls.” Yet, because of Aunt Bitsy’s thrill about taking us to a place that was really terrific in her eyes, we enjoyed our chocolate swirl cones like never before. And still, every single time I see a Dairy Queen, I think about my sweet Aunt Bitsy.
So often, it is not the “thing” that is important. Rather, it is the memory associated with that “thing.” It is nice to enjoy chocolate swirl ice cream and pepperoni pizza, but it is even better to savor the memory of a dear loved one who made the treat even more special.
We can look at our beautiful Pike’s Peak here in Colorado Springs and we can think what a beautiful mountain it is and leave it at that. Or, we can see it as a majestic handprint of our Creator God. What a treat for our eyes! We know that everything in nature is a gift from God and there are incalculable amounts of exquisite examples of His extravagance everywhere. It behooves believers to acknowledge and to give glory to the Maker of heaven and earth. When we do, our hearts and perspectives are forever changed.
After all, it is the heart that we remember that is associated with the mountain, the ice cream, and the polka dot pizza. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could view all things as God’s treats for us!
Key thought – Hearts shape what we see.
Scripture – Psalm 111:2 – Great are the works of the LORD. They are pondered by all who delight in them.
Prayer – Dear Heavenly Lord, Creator and Maker of all things, how precious are the memories of dear loved ones whose hearts and words color the world. Thank You for memories that serve to make our lives so rich. It is out of Your abundance that we can enjoy all things great and small. May our eyes and ears be open to receive all that You have so generously lavished upon us. With grateful hearts, we give You praise. In Christ’s we name pray, Amen.
For Further Reflection
1. Do you have a “polka dot pizza” recollection? Share it.
2. How do you cultivate a grateful heart?
3. Do you have an “Aunt Bitsy?” Stop and thank God for the people who bless your life. Give God the glory for those people.
4. Thank the Lord for all the things that you feel are “treats” from God designed just for you.
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About the Book
When Reagan Marie was born in the fall of 2013, the world was forever changed for author Deborah Denison Bailey and her husband. Now proudly known as Nana and Bampa, they have enjoyed the wonderful blessing of loving their precious granddaughter, a shining star who has made God’s light brighter in their lives.
When Reagan began to talk, Nana Bailey jotted down the things Reagan said because she felt they would be important family keepsakes. As time progressed, she sensed the Lord wanted her to use Reagan’s words for His glory. She’s learned the innocent remarks of a child can have a profound and lasting impact, particularly when applying that insight into one’s daily life.
From the mouth of a babe, Deborah has transformed simple musings from her granddaughter into a series of thought-provoking meditations. In Divine Directions from the Car Seat, she shares thirty-one important Christian messages. With discussion questions included, this guide is suitable for individual or group use, allowing participants to search their hearts and reflect on life’s spiritual journey.
About the Author
Deborah Denison Bailey earned a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in human relations and health facilities management. She has enjoyed a successful career as a music therapist, activity professional, and featured vocalist. Deborah and her husband, Paul, have a son, a daughter, and a granddaughter, Reagan, and live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.