My brother took his five year old grandson, Parker, to play his hockey game. In the first period, Parker played centre, in the second and third period he played right wing. After the game Parker said “Pa, do you know why I was moved from centre to right wing?” Pa said, “No.” Replied Parker: “So I could be closer to my fans!” Might we have here a future Olympian?
What happens to that healthy ego as we grow older?
This same grandnephew asked during the baptism of his cousin Everly: “How old is God?” I said that God was older than me. Parker’s mouth dropped.
Children’s innocence and honesty teach us so much. Remember, at one time we were each that child – what happened?
There is a wonderful commercial on T.V. these days with the theme “Let’s bring back play” – it suggests outdoor games like: tag, hide go seek, skip rope, red rover, red rover (and imagine it doesn’t cost a cent). Oh and remember the “family meal” there was laughing, sharing the day, occasional disagreements but always together (Get home in time for supper!).
As human beings we are called to communicate in a face to face fashion and I don’t mean “Skype.” “Real honest to goodness face to face” – I have nothing against the modern age toys and gadgets but we were created to be human, interactive, emotional, spiritual – there is a place for modern tech but not at the cost of face to face communication.
Sorry, there must be a balance!
In the “good old days,” there was isolation (down on the farm) – no phone, no television, no computer, no cell phone, maybe the occasional visitors (one extreme); now gadgets at every turn (other extreme) there has to be a balance. How about a game of dodge ball or skating on a homemade rink in the backyard (bumps and all).
One for the money; two for the show; three to get ready and four to go.
“Let’s bring back play!”
Barbara Vaughan, CSJ