The kids were going crazy with the interactive video game. The dance of boxing, wanting to win, and no rules was pushing each to their limits. It was a loud, nothing subtle about it kind of play! As the volume ramped up and every adult’s attention in the room turned towards the TV, I realized there were two little girls tucked in the corner, right next to their brothers and sister, focused on their dolls.
The contrast was amazing! On one side, chaos! On the other, “spirit firm, unperturbed, ever blessed, relaxed among enemies [of their way of playing].” (Psalm 112.08) Both seemed unaware of the other. Jumping, jabbing, and screaming was escalating, all in good fun. Quiet conversation with real and imaginary characters, no sudden movement, a quiet sonata playing next to a heavy metal concert.
There was no conflict between the two. It was as each was so into their own world that they could not see the other. Attention, energy, and in its own form, happiness was the result.
I did not see any attempts to watch out for the other. No conciliatory moves. No glances, quiet or covert. Not even a tilt of the head. Each had given themselves to a single purpose and apparently, nothing was going to distract them from that purpose.
As I watched I was sure there was going to be an ugly ending. I could visualize a young fist going into the LED screen. It was easy to imagine a slip, trip, and big kid landing on a small kid. This was going to end badly, one just wondered how.
The third world in everything was the parents. With a random response from one of the group sitting nearby, an adult would walk over and remind the boxers of the imaginary line between them and the screen. After a while, a small table was placed to help them keep the space open. With varying degrees on temporary success, nothing kept the fists from flirting with the screen’s surface.
No harm, no damage. Good time had by all.
