Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice"
to the Slice of Life (SOL) community.
Thanks to Stacey, Tara, Betsy, Dana, Beth, and Anna
for hosting this meeting place each day in March
and for nurturing our writing lives.
When I read Carol's story today, I was inspired to tell one that's been swirling around in my head.
I finished my school lunch (for dinner) and glanced around the room. Every table was engaged in friendly conversation. Isn't that why we meet as a group of women...to talk? Recess was next on our schedule, but Laurie was the only adult playing with the girls. I scooted over to the parachute to join their fun.
Grabbing two convenient handles, and listening to Laurie's sweet counting of 1, 2, 3, we quickly learned how to make the colors billow upward at the same time. Then we took turns calling out a color. If the color you were holding was called, you were supposed to run under the parachute and switch to a new space with your color. A new version of fruit basket upset! I was happy to play, but glad that my color had not been called. Suddenly it was! With some trepidation, I ducked under cover and headed for my color on the opposite side of the parachute. And that's when I discovered a swirl of giggling girls and a flurry of fun! I'm sure there were girls under there whose color had not been called, but they loved the excitement and frenzy of being under the parachute and dashing for another spot. While I had a hard time getting to my color before the parachute swirled down, I quickly learned that a gentle push would help the parachute stay up as I located my new space and ran giggling to my new color. I had been dutifully participating and even having a bit of fun, but without ducking under I wouldn't have discovered the joy and laughter waiting for me under the swirl of beautiful colors.
I'm reminded of the gentle rebuke Christ offered to his disciples when they turned away those who brought their children to be blessed at His hand. He was displeased and said, "...suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14) Sometimes we need to plunge into play to find the fun and discover childlike joy. What will you do to play today?
writing about the spiritual focus of our community's
One Little Words. This week, we are writing about
So funny that we adults have to DISCOVER how to have fun and play when it comes so easily and naturally to children. When did it fade away? Loved your post, was right there with you ducking under the parachute and dashing through the frenzy of giggling girls.
ReplyDeleteYour story is similar to mine - we both wrote about children and how we need to more childlike in our discoveries. I always loved that parachute game!
ReplyDeleteI never read anyone's posts for Spiritual Thursday until I've completed mine. It's interesting that we've been on the same wave length a couple of times.
DeleteI pictured every word of your journey into childhood. Thank you for the link to Spiritual Journey Thursday also. xo
ReplyDeleteRamona, thanks for the lead in with Carol's story. Teachers are such supporters and sometimes do not realize how special they can be to a child in need. I need to get more involved in play as opposed to working and writing. Life is waiting. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful story connected to scripture. I always loved the parachute as a child and with my daughter. Your post brought back happy memories with a great message. Thanks, Ramona!
ReplyDelete"Sometimes we need to plunge into play to find the fun and discover childlike joy." Isn't that the truth! I want to discover more joy tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteJaana, is it too late for today???
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