Noah's Family Smell Fresh Air

By Mary Vee

After 40 days of pelting rain, rockin' and rollin' in an ark, and stuffy, smelly air, Noah and his family were ready to get out of the ark. It continued to rain softer another 110 days. But even after the rain stopped, they had to wait for the rain to soak down into the ground and collect in places like oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes.
Shem, Ham, and Japheth probably said, "Are we there, yet?"
Noah probably answered, "Yes, but there isn't any land for us to step on, yet."
His son's probably answered, "Awwwwww."
Finally, after being in the ark 370 days, God told Noah and his family it was safe to come out. Think of the time it takes for your next birthday to come after the last one. That's about how long they were in the boat!
The family step out of the ark and gazed at the incredible view. Noah took a deep, long breath. Suddenly he noticed..."Phew! We need a bath!"
The animals ran, thumped, scurried, and flew out of the ark squawking, chirping, meowing, roaring, and neighing. They search for a clean, fresh place to stretch their bodies.
God cleaned the air. He also cleaned his people by starting over with only those who loved Him. Noah and his sons searched for materials to build an altar to the Lord. Then they held the first church service honoring God, our creator, after the flood.
When we get in the habit of doing wrong things, our spiritual lives have a bad smell. We need to talk with Jesus and tell Him we are sorry, and really mean it. We need to truly work to stop doing the wrong thing. Then we will feel clean again on the inside.
How do you think Shem, Ham, and Japheth felt when they stepped on the dry ground?