Creeks, Church and Playtime

Depauw Church Drive

Walking on the gravel, hearing it crunch under your shoes, bugs buzzing in your ears, the walk to the creek begins. With two sets of small sandals, maybe bare feet and a stroller going down the hill, it seems for a few moments of time, we are in our own world. The kids are all excited, we are going for a walk and the baby is happy to be out in nature. At the bottom of the hill is the woods and creek. It isn’t a big creek, but in the eyes of a three and four year old boy it is extremely large. The kids take off their shoes and jump in the creek. Mud squishing between their toes, water splashing, and the search for the biggest stick begins. I hear hold this, and in my hand is a slimy, cold worm. I sit on a huge rock and hold the baby as the boys explore, enjoying the sound of their giggles and watching Addie try to reach for whatever is close at hand.

On the walk to the creek is an old country church. The Depauw United Methodist church is one of those places frozen in time untouched by change. It was built in 1872. There is no running water or bathrooms, still an outhouse in the back. There is a cemetery that has families and generations of those who attend the church. Sunday school meets followed by the service where traditional hymns are sang by the congregation.

A couple of my favorite places in the world are close together, the creek and the old country church. I can walk to these places and take my children along to enjoy with me. Take a walk in nature; look at all the beauty. Hold a child’s small hand because someday he will be too big and too busy. The days with young children are sometimes difficult, but knowing how quickly time passes, makes me want to take them for walks and play today. Be prepared for the changes that will come tomorrow.