“As we age our bodies get older but our souls get younger in a way…and more childlike.”
~Fr. Enrique Salvo
What do you think? Do you find this true for you? I heard Fr. Enrique say this during Mass one early October morning and it really got me thinking. “As we age our bodies get older…” Yep, my hearing has declined, my vision is playing tricks on me, and Arthritis aches and pains seem to think we're buddies and like to hang out often. I try to keep moving so it can’t latch on to me, but then it stops me in my tracks at times. Go figure. None of getting older makes sense. This is supposed to be our time to thrive, isn’t it?
But he also says, “…our souls get younger in a way…and more childlike.” This is so true. In fact, I know that when I keep moving and get involved in something fun, I forget (if only for a short time) any physical challenges. I get immersed in the play, the fun, the spiritedness of it. Flying my kite comes to mind. We were at the Cape last month and made an impromptu stop at West Dennis Beach, a two-mile-long stretch of soft sand, and on that day, a steady sea breeze. It was chilly, but I didn’t care. I usually have my kite in the trunk as you never know when you might feel called to play.
To my surprise…(people always surprise me), folks kept stopping by to watch me and then Jim as well, as even he couldn’t hold back an opportunity for a little fun. They didn’t say a word but were captivated. I hardly noticed them as they watched from a respectable distance but there were smiles on each of their faces. Maybe it brought back memories of their childhoods.
The breeze off Nantucket Sound consistently held the kite up without hesitation. None of that up-and-down behavior. No having to run to keep it up in the air. (Thank god). I just wandered around and it danced gently in the wind like some celestial being. It was so much fun. I could feel my soul getting younger, and I felt lighter with every tug of the string.
Tis the season for more fun, more joy, more sharing, more laughter. Maybe even more childlike behavior. If not now, when? There is much to celebrate in our abundantly blessed lives. So why not make the most of it?
There is an Amazon commercial out now of three elderly women bench sitting, watching people sledding, a look of longing on their faces. One of them places an Amazon order and surprises her friends with a big ole cushion that fits perfectly onto a sled. Next shot…laughter and smiles of absolute joy on those beautiful wisdom-aged faces as all three take off down the snow-covered hill.
This holiday season, I’ve made numerous trips to Stonington Borough to witness another fun thing, in this year’s Lobster Trap Tree. People of all ages walk around in fascination at the annual creation of 450 artfully stacked lobster traps in the shape of a Christmas tree. Decorated with 454 hand-painted buoys. If you haven’t seen it, you might wonder, “What on earth???” But it’s wonderful and every week, when I drive over there with my sister, I notice another buoy that catches my attention. She can’t get out of the car so we park right in front of it and take it all in as if we are seeing it for the first time. We actually bring binoculars, so she can see each one up close from my car. Last year I photographed the peak of the tree from inside and it looked like stained glass in a cathedral. Just magical!
If you want to take some of that fun home, you can bid on any of the 153 buoys on auction at https://www.lobstertraptree.com/artist-buoys-23. It is a fundraiser for the community.
Remember…
“As we age our bodies get older but our souls get younger in a way…and more childlike.”
Although I’m not usually prone to quoting scripture if you are looking for confirmation that the God we love so much, who loves us even more, wants great things for us, check out Romans 15:13. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
So why not? Life is sooo meant to be enjoyed. And I know today, every one of us could use a little hope. What will you do for fun this Christmas?
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and abundant blessings,
Patty