This past weekend, I was able to spend some time with a friend and her nine year old daughter.  This child is so special to me.  She is such a sweet child with a good heart and a strong love for God.  I accompanied them to a birthday party at a roller skating rink.  I was supposed to be there to help keep my friend company while the kids were off playing.  Instead, I was able to learn some things just by watching the kids having fun.

First of all, they were just enjoying each other’s company.  They didn’t worry about what they looked like or who was around.  Instead they threw themselves into the moment and the moment was to celebrate the tenth birthday, skate and play.   Secondly, the children weren’t afraid to try something new.  They had no fear of “failing”.  All three of the older kids started out with skate trainers and with a little encouragement, they were all skating without them by the end of the three hours.  The kids weren’t worried about whether they were able to progress or not.  They were just content to be.

It struck me that as adults, most of us have lost our ability to just kick back and have fun regardless of who’s around.  We’re usually concerned about how we’ll look to other adults.  A lot of us also won’t explore new things because we’re afraid we’ll look “silly” or not measure up to the standards of not just our peers, but the high expectations we’ve put on ourselves as well.    Oh to be like a child and dance (and sing) like no one’s watching – true freedom!!