Yesterday I was walking with my 4 year old grandson on a tour of a local toy department, it is one of his favorite journeys! When we entered the store I took his hand to guide him towards the toy section. He stopped and looked up at me with complete dismay, “Pappa, I know where I’m going, I have a GPS in my head.” With that resolved we had moved quickly into the toys.
However, once we arrived in the section of choice we suddenly slowed to a snails pace (or at least one befitting a woman shopping for shoes). Several times I was informed “that some things simply cannot be rushed.”
I stood patiently (or at least an attempt at patience) as I observed my Grandson take 20, no 30 or maybe 40 items off the shelf. He would look at every little item in the package.
I asked gently asked, “What are you doing?”
Hampton (4 year old boy), “Pappa, I’m thinking!”
Me (56 year old preacher), “About what?”
Hampton, “I’m thinking about what I would do with this toy!”
Me, “How are you doing that?”
Hampton, “I’m using my imagination, Pappa!!!!” (did I tell you he was studying theology, philosophy, and bull riding).
I knew then I was out matched for this dialog. Did I tell you that I have a shopping – restriction (really a note from a doctor) I limit my exposure to shopping with wives and grandchildren, because of the stress that it puts on my heart?
Ok…. stop it!
I was standing in the lego section pondering the teaching that I had just received from my Grandson. Rather blankly staring down an isle filled with dolls, suddenly missing my favorite Granddaughter. It was then that this very nice lady appeared in front of me. I assumed she was going to ask my advice on dolls or legos! Things that I have learned a lot about.
Nice lady, “You are a pastor, right?”
Me, “Why, yes I am?’
“I really don’t get the whole worship thing! I what are we doing singing songs, really, what is the point?” she just blurted out!
“Oh, we are just thinking.” (smiling on the inside like a kid in a toy store).
Nice lady, “About what?”
“We are thinking about how good God is?” (now I’m leaping on the inside)
Nice lady, “How are you doing that, I mean how does that work?”
Me, “Oh well,…we are just using our imagination!”
I think we forget how to live in that space that is in-between! There really is that sacred space that is between “Amen and there it is.” The “already verse the not yet” kingdom of God.
Maybe we ought to become children again and allow God to fill our minds with how we might play in the Presence of the One who loves us without restraint.
As I stood in the toys with a little boy who knows that “some things just simply cannot be rushed!” I remembered and that you must use your “imagination” if you are really going to enjoy life.
Thanks Hampton!!!
