As I walked home under a dark sky, the visual caught me off guard. I do not think I have ever seen a teeter-totter which was lit up at night. In this case, there was not just one, there were six. It was as if I walk onto a design set with bright colours, imagination, and so much more on display! In the moment, I wished I there was someone with me so we, well I, could experience reclaiming my childhood adventures in a whole new setting.
As the excitement in my head grew quiet and I return to the silence of the moment, I found myself wondering if I was willing to take the leap of faith which always comes in choosing to play my role on a teeter-totter. I know I was willing back then, even with the occasional abrupt ending when the other person bailed unexpectedly. Even with the bumps and bruises, a constant excitement and willingness remained. It was fun to leap, even with the awareness that it did not always turn out well.
As I reflect on this moment of discovery, I know my decision to ride the teeter-totter would not have been automatic and unconditional. “Who” was on the other end would be a direct influence on my choice. I found myself wishing it was not true, that I would jump in with abandon. Yet the lingering sense of doubt reinforced my hesitation in the moment.
There is power in the faith I expressed as a child. I have come to realise and appreciate that its foundation was more than naïve ignorance. I believed in the goodness of others. I had experienced their unreserved generosity. I knew friendship with confidence because of demonstrated actions.
Even as I walked through the past, I find myself adding a second reflection to the mix, Paul’s words to give confidence and assurance. “I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.” (Romans 1.7)
In this moment, I have a decision to make about Life’s teeter-totters.
