The kids were at opposite extremes. The three year old was stuck in post temper tantrum slump. Emotionally she had nothing left. With purpose lost, energy drained, her dull eyes looked aimless in all directions. She wanted direction and purpose. Having none, she had no idea what she should, could do.
A bubbly five year old came onto the scene, hyper, bubbly, and frenetic are the first words that came to mind. One could feel tiredness coming on just watching her. Initially I thought it was a sugar buzz but the level never subsided! Whatever she had, I want some of that.
When she spotted the only other person under the age of ten in the room, her calling was clear. It was time to play! It was time to laugh, run, and discover. Everyone in her age bracket needed to join. Given that there was only one in the target audience, obviously her mission was to create and realize the opportunity for both of them.
I watched, locked into what was unfolding. There were three distinct phases.
First, Ms. Bubbly needed to share her energy and excitement. Ms. Target needed to be aware of was possible! Sure, life could be difficult but that is for grown-ups. Her message was clear – it’s time to play.
Ms. Bubbly did not stop there. She made sure the invitation was clear. She pulled and tugged her into playing. She showed her how much fun life could be. She opened a door to something more.
Ms. Bubbly cemented the deal by celebrating the first sign of engagement. I watched realizing I was seeing an old Psalm put into action; “Sing songs to God, sing out! Sing to our King, sing praise!” (Psalm 47.6)
Ms. Bubbly was awesome and amazing. With a few moments of work, there were two Bubbly individuals showing everyone what it meant o live fully in the moment that is. I close my eyes and realize that their energy is still with me. My feet do a quick jig as I realize that life is brighter.
