"PLAY IN A MUD PUDDLE"--DAVID BORDEN/TOM WINTERS

                       PLAY IN A MUD PUDDLE

      God never said,"Cleaniness is next to Godliness".

   In fact you won't find that often repeated proverb

   anywhere in the Bible. Cleanliness may be hygienic

   and the social norm, but sometime it's

   good to go all out and and get right down dirty.

   If you have doubt, make a play date with a mud puddle.

     All you need is a steady rainstorm and a good, old

   fashioned dirt.  Then, invite some small children,

   spontaneous teenagers, or adventurous  adults to

   join the fun. When it comes to casting off convention

   and rediscovering a bit of childlike joy, the more the

   merrier. Once you've gethered the "dirty dozen"

   together (give or take five or ten) simply plop yourself

   in the middle of the biggest puddle you can find and

   invite your guest to do the same. Make mud pies.

   Give mud facials. Roll, shimmy, and scoot. Let the mud

   sllip through your fingers and squish between your

   toes. Giggles and groans are sure to follow.

   After you're thoroughly soaked and soiled, make

   the trek back home. Have a pile of old towels

   waiting for you at the door. If it's warm enough, you

   might hose off before going into the shower. (For    \

   some people, cleaning up may be more fun than

   getting dirty). After putting your clothes into the

   washer, invite your guests to get together and enjoy

   snacks and chat. No doubt the conversation will

   an interesting one after such a unique experience.

   There's nothing wrong with making a mess now and

   then--or even looking like one. And since it is unlikely

   that there will be any mud in heaven, you'll want sure

   be sure to frolic in the puddles here on earth while

   you have a chance. Then you may be less hesitant

   to take the next opportunity that could leave you hot,

   sweaty,dirty or dishveled. Who knows? That opportunity

   maybe the one that God has been anxiously waiting to

   bring your way.