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Dear Friends
While surveying various books, DVD's, jigsaw puzzles and games donated to the Thomas Center activity room, I recognized this popular game of yesteryear: Twister! Someone has a good sense of humor I thought. Playing Twister at a senior center?! I brought it to dinner one night, and with a straight face and serious voice announced this would be our after dinner program. There were startled reactions (including from our General Manager), but soon my smile and laughter gave my teasing away.
I learned later that the game had likely been left behind after a youth group meeting. But it reminded me of the fact that as we go through life, we face not just challenges but limitations and endings. Things we used to do, we cannot do forever. I must confess that whenever I see high school or college age kids running through the streets, I am still stung with a slight, if momentary, feeling of envy. I used to be able to run that fast! The cure is to feel their joy (the joy I once knew) and to be thankful I have been able to run for so long and still can run, even if more slowly and with breaks. They are running carefree. I am running carefully (and that includes watching out for moose and bears!)
As the bible says, "There is a time for playing Twister, and a time to refrain from playing Twister....and just watch and enjoy!"
How blessed I am on this Father's Day. I can't carry Christopher and Emily on my back while crawling to their bedrooms as I used to do when it was their bedtime (while making the sounds of a dinosaur), but I am so thankful that I once did get to do that. I am also thankful that they each want to and will be with Kathleen and I for a week here in Alaska, to make some new memories.
John
So glad you're here,
ReplyDeleteSo true Fr John. It can be frustrating but as you said, so glad to be able to have good memories and with thanks !
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