Tip of My Iceberg

End-of-the-year programs and gatherings are all about remembering and assessing–recalling the fun and funny and evaluating the growth that’s taken place over the past several months. The scale changes as we get older–greater expectations, more formalized tests, fewer programs based on fun.

I was able to attend Cal and Mason’s final performance of preschool. This pair of three-year-old cousins are in the same class, and what one won’t think of, the other fills in the spaces. They walked into the auditorium with an upbeat tempo, and when Cal saw us, he paused and waved, backing the rest of the line up. Mason with a more serious countenance solemnly stared at family members in the audience.

Each child wore a shirt proclaiming, “Be Silly, Be Brave, Be Kind”; a statement that could apply to way more than just this performance.

When they began singing–rather, making wild and crazy hand motions to a recording of some other people singing–there were those few who were cut from the cloth of the true stage performer. They beamed and their hand motions were in syncopation with the music. Most of those young thespians stood in the middle of the group.

The fun and silly was happening on the two ends.

Mason and Cal knew the motions–for the most part. Standing before an audience of giddy parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters, it was easier to stare at the people in the seats instead of following the teachers. The spectrum of performance was wide, but the results were delightful.

The silly part came easily.

Life mirrors art all too well.

We’re all performers of a sort on this global stage, making our presence known, seeking approval and applause from others, wanting what we do to matter. Some prefer supporting roles, not quite so front and center, less pressure to perform.

All are needed.

Silliness is a matter of life. It’s a lack of common sense or judgment, something bordering on the absurd, and everyone experiences that at some point. Silly for a time is funny and refreshing.

The challenge is not to stay there.

Bravery and kindness don’t come as easily. Those are choices we make that push our limits, test the integrity of our hearts, and allow us to be more than we think we are.

Silliness is natural. Bravery and kindness are character qualities that reflect maturity but aren’t always upheld today as beneficial aspects of our temperaments.

Watching Cal and Mason was fun because three-year-olds can be endearingly silly.

There’s no humor in adults acting thoughtlessly or selfishly, not caring how their decisions affect others. To be brave and kind we need to focus on others. Not just our own needs.

Jesus knew how to enjoy people. He listened to those who came to talk to Him. He paused for those who needed His help. He focused on those who were less fortunate.

Always with a heart of bravery and kindness. Because people mattered more to Him then things, power, or position.

Jesus always put others first. It’s why He came.

Goofiness is fun for the moment. No one wants to be remembered for that.

Being brave and kind will leave a lasting impact.

No theatrics necessary.