Monday, Jun 1, 2009 2:38AM /
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Today in church, just before the service started, my son and I got the giggles. I can't remember what started it, but it didn't end when the organist and the choir entered, followed soon by our Pastor. I barely managed to get it under control by very diligently TRYING to read the bulletin placed in my hymnal to mark the spot for our first hymn. The first few moments of the service are SUPPOSED to be dedicated to self reflection and quiet as the organist plays and the acolyte lights the candles signifying the entrance of Christ's presence into the service. However today, with my own laughter barely stifled, I still felt the vibration of my son's body as he continued to convulse with his own mirth. I felt my lips curve upward and the bubble of laughter start to build up, and before I knew it, my eyes were streaming as I fought to keep from doubling over once again.
Now I'm not one to cut up during church. Oftentimes I am the one trying to keep my kids' rather high spirits on a low key, even going so far as threatening to haul them into the bathroom to "discuss" their behavior. But today, in practically the front row of our small church where we normally sit, I felt every eye on me as I silently shook with the giggles. Even my son kept pointing out to me, while I was staring blindly down into my lap, that my mother was glaring at us from her place in the choir loft. Just knowing the situation I was in didn't help.
It took a great deal of effort to force myself to swallow the laughter and calm down, which finally happened just as the last notes from the organ faded away and our Pastor stood. I knew he had seen us, and I dreaded the comments he would have about it later on. Now, our pastor is not a stupid man, and (Thank the Lord) isn't one of the strict and regimental types that would berate me on such an incident. Rather, he has a rather dry sense of humor, and tends to get a twinkle in his eye when he's amused. I saw this in his face this morning, once I got a chance to look up. Nothing was said for a while as we continued into the service.
Being Pentacost Sunday, we heard the verses from the Bible that told of that first day when the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples and their followers. Pastor Steve even brought out balloons during the Children's Sermon to demonstrate the filling up of the disciple's bodies with the Holy Spirit, even letting one loose to show how it spreads to others. It was a very simplistic demonstration, but it got the congregation laughing. And then, during his prayer with the children, he mentioned laughter. I knew he hadn't forgotten.
As I was teaching the children during Sunday School later on, I began to think about the different ways that the Spirit makes itself known in people. So often when I've been moved by the Spirit, it overwhelms me into tears and self remonstration. I don't experience the tongues or the wind and fire, but rather an explosion of emotion that cannot be contained. Too often this emotion is embarrassing and when I know it's coming, I fight it off for fear of being pitied or ridiculed. What's the point in crying when filled with the Spirit when it doesn't DO anything for anyone else?
Suddenly, I began to realize something. The mood in the church was
not the somber, quiet reflection that I have experienced in some other
churches. It was light, and friendly, and hopeful... almost carefree.
And I realized one other thing. In our church, it is quite normal.
Laughter always has been a part of our church. Even during these times, with the economy at the lowest point as it has been in decades, and global warming threatening our climate's stability, laughter has been there. It lifts our spirits and gives us hope.
I'll never remember what exactly instigated the giggle fit my son and I experienced, but I would like to think it was possibly the Holy Spirit working on us. To have an emotion come out in such an expression of joy is more binding to a community than tears and self remonstration. Such things don't bring comfort. They bring sorrow and self doubt. The Holy Spirit was supposed to be a gift, a gift of joy, and what better demonstration of joy is laughter!
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Saturday, May 2, 2009 10:03AM /
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For those of you who did pray for my son, (and me), thank you. He did manage to ride 5 miles despite the heat, and I'm SOOO proud of him for doing so. He said he splashed through mud puddles to try to keep cool (and of course, being a boy that IS the cool thing to do) and his bike came back a filthy mess. I am just glad he had fun. Thanks again all!
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Saturday, Apr 25, 2009 6:48AM /
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I know my kids. I know they are about as absent minded, opinionated, hardheaded, and sometimes as lazy as I can be. Both have these... well.. qualities, but in different ways. My younger one is quite capable of bursting into tears from a cross look or word from me when he has been caught doing something that I don't approve of, and then suddenly a giggle will erupt from him and a wide smile will shine through his tear streaked face. ADHD isn't just a possibility with this child.
My other son is a different story. My older boy has always had a bit of a belligerent way about him. He is academically quite bright, but his social aptitude leaves much to be desired. Don't get me wrong, I love him to death, but I may wind up sending him away to brat boot camp before I become instrumental in said death. His teachers will often say to me, "We love him. He is such a sweet boy," and then I will hear the dreaded "... but..." Sigh. And he isn't even a teenager, yet.
Night and day. I've heard others talk about their children being that way. Little did I know that it could actually happen to me. (Famous last words, eh?)
Ok, I digress. The point of this lament is that he's going to become a Boy Scout. You'd think I would be happy about this. Well, to a certain extent, I am. I come from a family which has been heavily into the Scouting program all my life. My father is 68 and has been Scouting since he was about 9. 60 years. My mother was a Girl Scout and earned all the highest awards through her Cadette year. My brothers both got a good way into the program before quitting, as did I. So my sons both have had to join.
My older one is now a Webelos. For those who are not in the know, the Webelos Scout is a transitioning period between the younger Cubs and the older Boy Scouts. He has been invited by the local Scout Troop to join them in some of their activities. My son, my father and I did go camping with them this past weekend on the lawn of one of the historic homes in our area for a District Camporee and enjoyed ourselves immensely. While there, my son was invited this weekend to go on a bike trip with them.
This is why I'm nervous. I know my son. This trip is supposed to be at least 15 miles long, with a long 10 mile stretch at the beginning where noone can go pick him up by vehicle. I know my son. I fear he is going to wimp out about 2 miles in, complaining about SOMETHING. He's not conditioned to go long stretches of time yet. Had they asked for next year, or even next month, I would have gone to great lengths to condition the BOTH of us for this. I KNOW I couldn't make it right now. I have doubts that he can.
How could I tell a boy no, though, when the plea comes from a big pair of blue eyes and a pouting pair of lips? How can I stand firm when even the Scoutmaster calmly urges me to let him go, declaring that the other boys will encourage him along? How can I just let him go out there, dreading his failure?
I guess it's time to cut the apron strings. The boy is nine. The boy is growing up. The boy needs to show he can learn, even if he has to learn through failure. He has since birth tried on his independance. I've never had him cling to me like his brother. Honestly, I've never really wanted him to be too clingy. Now I'm realizing that maybe it is I who wants to hold on so dearly.
Maybe, just maybe, when he comes home tomorrow, his eyes won't be bright with tears, but with joy at his success. I pray... God... I pray... that this will be the case.
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Saturday, Apr 25, 2009 5:46AM /
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I just took the Originality quiz, take a look at my results!
Naturally Original
At first glance you may seem fairly average, but after two minutes of talking, it's clear that there's more to you than meets the eye. Despite not advertising your originality, you always keep your own unique perspective and creative approach to life. You're equally comfortable in any situation and fit in no matter where you go but you always stay true to yourself.
Which of the following describes you and your group of friends?
We are all unique in our own ways
I am spontaneous and unpredictable
Occasionally
When I have to assemble something, I read the directions first
Sometimes
When I'm given a choice, I go with my "gut" instinct
Sometimes
I like "well-structured" assignments more than I like assignments that are "open-ended"
Sometimes
Pick up to 4 creative outlets you enjoy
Singing or playing an instrument
Writing music
Writing (poetry, stories, etc)
Performance arts (acting, dance, etc)
Which alivenotdead.com artists do you find inspiring?
When choosing clothes to buy you are most likely to
Buy whatever I want - who cares what people think?
When I say blue, what do you think of?
Water
Lastly, Tell us 10 things you want to do, try or experience before your 60th birthday?
Travel, live in a foreign country where English is not the main language, perform with the Four County Players, rejoin the Renaissance crowd, join a Christian Motorcycle Club, get and learn to ride a motorcycle, lose weight, learn at least five more languages, go on a dig, and continue to spread God\'s Word and Love by enjoying my life to the fullest.
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Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 4:53AM /
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Ok... found another pic. Cheesy I know... but it's better than the one I just posted. Eventually I might find a better one, so bear with me...
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