That is always what I say when the kids are out making mudpies, playing in water puddles, and digging holes. Clean dirt is the stuff children need to play in. There are so many reasons for this according to researchers. I Googled “benefits of playing in the dirt” and there were over 35 million hits. Go take a look, it is amazing. As a mom I didn’t know all these things with my head, there was no but I knew them with my intuition.  

I remember my dad building me a sandbox where hours were spent with the sand and water, building castles and starting a mudpie bakery. Getting a sunburned nose and being hosed down when mom called me in. There was so much pride in those triple layer mud cakes, until I took a bite out of one. Afterward I let the faeries and desert creatures eat my cakes and pies.  

Although eating that “cake” didn’t harm me, it didn’t make me sick, and it did not cause damage to my character or reputation. I am positive it caused laughter to my parents and older siblings as the story was told and retold.  

I am still playing in the dirt. I see a water puddle; I must kick off my shoes and splash in it. A river or lake with trout; I grab my fishing gear. Flour, sourdough starter, water, and salt; my rings come off and my hands dig in kneading and forming a lopsided but tasty loaf of bread.  

How about you? What kind of dirt are you getting into today? Will it harm yourself or someone else? Get help to stop. It’s out there. Does it bring beauty or encouragement? Good for you, keep going, keep doing. Does it simply bring you joy and laughter to your heart? We all need that!  

For me it is time to plant my garden. Tomatoes, okra, herbs, zucchini, and lots of flowers for the bees. I see canned tomatoes for pasta and stews, Spanish rice and my favorite soup. Lots of fried okra and gumbo. Salsa and pickles and calabasitas, OH MY! So, I challenge you. Find some clean dirt and get dirty. It’s good for the soul! Find a plant and repot it. Dig out those paints or craft supplies and create. Learn to make sourdough bread or bake a cake. Make a big ol’ mudpuddle and splash in it.  

Psalm 33:2-3 

Give thanks to the Lord with the harp; 
    make music to Him with an instrument of ten strings. 
Sing to Him a new song; 
    play an instrument skillfully with a joyful shout. MEV 

Think on that.