A few days ago, I had lunch with my mother at our local Cracker Barrel restaurant. As we were leaving, I walked past a retired couple seated against the wall at a tiny table for two. I had to chuckle when I read her sweatshirt. Emblazoned on the front in big letters it said, “Warning! Don’t Grow Up – It’s a Trap!” I stopped to tell her how much I liked it, and we all shared a laugh.
The weather was beautiful that day – very bright and spring-like for February in the Ozarks. Mother and I decided to relax on my porch swing for a bit before she headed home. We chatted for awhile, then we both began to feel drowsy and the conversation slowed. As we sat comfortably enjoying the swing – two retired couples strolled out from neighboring condos to enjoy the afternoon sun. The two men began playing shuffleboard, while the women sat at a picnic table and visited. In a few minutes, another lady joined them and they all sat chatting happily. Before long, the women left their spots at the shady picnic table and headed out to the basketball court, giggling like school girls. Locating a couple of basketballs, they went to work trying to see how many baskets they could make. (Not many! 🙂 ) Their obvious lack of basketball skills definitely did not affect their fun! They were trying fearlessly, laughing at themselves when they missed and chasing the ball down to try again – simply enjoying each and every moment. There were awkward granny shots, hilarious air balls, and even a few great shots that were nothing but net. In the end it didn’t really matter. They were all just having a good time!
Our drowsiness gone, Mother and I sat smiling, now watching both the shuffleboard contest and the basketball tournament with interest. We each selected a basketball player (my player had a blue shirt and hers had a white shirt) and kept score from afar to see which one of our chosen players would win.
It was such a simple, relaxing way to pass the afternoon – and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I am inspired to see people who aren’t afraid to try – even when their skills are not the best. I love finding people willing to laugh at their shortcomings. I appreciate those who step out of their comfort zone instead of sitting on the sidelines. Mostly, I truly enjoy seeing people who celebrate life’s simple pleasures.
Long ago, my first year as an elementary school teacher was both exciting and very challenging. There were so many things to learn that year – so many “firsts” to face. I wanted so badly to do a good job, and I worked very hard every day. I enjoyed my students and my work colleagues immensely – but sometimes I felt overwhelmed and discouraged. In those times, I would often pick up the phone to call my Mother for encouragement. She would listen to my concerns then offer good advice. Sometimes she would share a Bible verse, or a song, or an encouraging poem or article she had saved. I would always feel uplifted. During one such call, however, she completely surprised me. After listening to my discouragement and complaints, she asked me to do her a favor. She told me she wanted me to “school hop” (her term for skipping) up and down my hallway at home two times after we hung up the phone. She insisted on this, telling me that she would be calling back to confirm that I had completed her request. I hung up and stood there alone in my own home arguing with myself. I was an adult now – I couldn’t skip up and down the hallway! Good grief!!! How silly would that be? Reasons why this was definitely not a logical action filled my head. I actually felt annoyed! Didn’t I have enough stress without having to worry about this absurd request??? I questioned whether Mother really understood how I felt – and I turned to walk away, sit on the couch, and think some more about my difficult day. I knew she would call back though – and I didn’t want to disappoint her – so…..I took a deep breath, checked ALL the curtains to be absolutely certain they were closed – and skipped down my hall. I turned around and skipped the other way, repeating the entire process twice. I felt COMPLETELY ridiculous….but you know what? When I had finished – I was no longer thinking about all of the stresses of that week. I was out of breath and chuckling – and my mindset had completely changed.
I think the lady at Cracker Barrel was right, in a way! We don’t ever have to completely grow up. Life has many, many responsibilities, stresses, and chores – but it (can) also hold a lot of joy. Sometimes, even (or perhaps especially) on the most difficult days, we need to square our shoulders, throw aside our worries as much as possible and go outside to play – to act silly, to laugh, to find a way to relax and simply enjoy the blessings around us. It’s not always easy to escape the trap – but it’s definitely worth the effort.
Thank you for reading this post. By the way, today was a very long, busy, hectic day for me. I may just go skip down my hallway now – but first, I’ve gotta check the curtains!
