Exuberance – February 06, 2000
Small children rarely walk anywhere. They leap, they dash, they run; the very words we use to describe their movement are as full of energy as are children. For a child, even the most commonplace sights and sounds are full of wonder. Above all, children live exuberant lives. The sight of a fire truck is greeted with excited shouts, while the play of a squirrel can be utterly engrossing. Children celebrate life with every romping game they play.
When we were children, we knew lives of exuberance and exhilaration. We knew how marvelous it could feel to leap for a ball, or run across a beach, or swim in a lake. Our bodies are marvelous gifts from an all-loving Father. Sore muscles and skinned knees of play are simply part of the texture of life—rough edges that give definition to smoother, softer shapes and lines. When we grow older and less inclined to leap about, we can still remember the lessons of childhood and recapture the joyful enthusiasm of play.
An older man had grown weary of life. A beloved spouse had passed on, and his children were busy with their own concerns and responsibilities. The man became discouraged and filled his days with bitter thoughts and endless television. Then one day, a neighbor called. A local scout troop needed transportation to a distant campground. Could he help out? At first he was inclined to say no. But the thought of a pleasant drive through a lovely forest tugged at him. Much to his surprise, he found himself agreeing to help.
The day arrived for the camp-out. His camper was filled with sleeping bags and provisions. Excited young boys crowded into the cab of his truck. At first, their noisy talk and loud laughter were irritating to the older man. He regretted his decision to drive. But once they arrived at the campsite, he watched in wonder as the boys raced from task to task, setting up tents and building a campfire. The soft breeze of the forest brought the fragrances of nature to him. He could hear the rustling of leaves and could see the pale glow of the setting sun through the trees. A frisbee flew through the air and landed at his feet. Scarcely knowing what he was doing, he picked it up and flung it back. A day he’d thought was wasted became a day filled with laughter and beauty and joy.
God has given us a wondrous world, and our bodies are marvelous gifts from Him. In celebration of His great gifts, let us live exuberantly. Let us learn again how to leap, and dash, and run—and make our play a prayer to Him.
Program #3677