Playdate? What planet is Klein on now?
“Playdate,” by definition, may be a toddler gig, but experiencing one enlivens and reorients us—at any age.
For instance:
- Daydreaming: Has it been awhile?
- Double takes: Remember, they’re quasi-athletic.
- Jaunts: Why not enjoy risk and exhilaration?
You might feel overwhelmed, over-digitized, overcome by a restless heart (or, restless mate/kids/grandkids) . . .
Troubled by global violence and civil unrest . . .
Weary of weeds and dust, arthritis, estrangement, too many guests . . .
Could it be you’re running low on respite, and short on play?
How about an Armchair Staydate, right here, right now? Preferably one that involves leaves (since I have pictures of them).
Let this amateur gallery jaunt evoke a few deep breaths. Double takes. Daydreams.
Taking if leaf by leaf
Is this one a mirror? Sometimes we mortals lurch around, flattened by life, emotionally spent, spiritually threadbare.
Lord knows, we’re trying to launch the project, get back in shape, meet the monster deadline.
We may be pushing through envy. Anger. Inhospitable circumstances.
One green sprig muscling through roadway re-frames hardship as possibility.
Oh, this dear earth! An ancient arrangement ensures leaves absorb our toxic carbon dioxide; we absorb their oxygen. I forget this. Remembering alters my view—altars my view.
Deep breath.
Where can I share a little life today?
. . .
Notice these flowers growing between a hard place and its shadow.
They don’t settle for blah. Or worse, bleak. They don’t forgo blooming until better conditions appear.
Deep breath.
Where will I inject fizz, or a dash of color today? A softening touch?
. . .
Leaf through the Book
We’re each like a tree planted by water, the psalmist tells us, “whose leaves do not wither.”
Sure as Hosta leaves steadily breathe out water vapor (thereby drawing up more moisture through roots and stems), we can exhale, pause, watch for what may transpire.
Deep breath.
In what way will I offer someone (including myself) a cup of cool water today?
. . .
No matter how we feel, we are not stranded, beached and alone beneath starless skies.
Sure as the moon with her silver pulleys hauls out the sea, the tide will change.
Might as well watch for surprise bouquets at our feet.
Deep breath.
Where will God surprise me today?
. . .
Sure as our brain’s firing neurons numerically compare to billions and squillions of stars in the Milky Way, light eventually reaches us—wherever we are.
Deep breath.
When did I last stargaze?
What new constellation of grace is emerging in those I love, and how do I call out shine?
. . .
“Never say there is nothing beautiful in the world anymore.
There is always something to make you wonder
in the shape of a tree, the trembling of a leaf.”
—Albert Schweitzer
Life is precarious. Let’s take a page from The Leaf Playbook:
- Book a playdate (or staydate)
- Cultivate double takes
- Exha-a-a-a–le . . . and see what transpires
- Court surprise
- Wait for the Light
What’s your favorite playdate/staydate? I’d love some fresh ideas . . .
More daydreaming here: http://bigthink.com/21st-century-spirituality/creativity-and-distraction
More about double-takes here
More about jaunts here
For more ideas, dip into this wonder-full book: Playdates with God, by Laura Boggess
Amen-Amein Sister in Christ Jesus-Yeshua Laurie!! God Bless all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua and Your Families and Friends!!
Love Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
Kristin Ann, shalom blessings to you and yours as well!
Laurie, my playdate w/ Mother, which I mentioned below, was delightful. And we experienced a playdate within a playdate when my aunt from NYC surprised us by alling to thank me for letter and poem I’d sent to her. She regaled us for over an hour with stories from her youth, including her friendship with Louis Armstrong. He bought her childhood home, and he stayed in touch w/ her, even inviting her as a child to sing with him and dance with Bill Bojangles Robinson. My aunt of course doesn’t sing now (in her 80s), but was a coloratura with a lovely career. It was fascinating to hear her Who’s Who litany of all the “stars” she met, etc. Playing for me often does involve music. I’m so happy our Bach chorus (which recently lost funding) is trying to resurrect. Playing is so important, Laurie. It’s sacred really. I love how you have played with leaf metaphors here, too (and come to think of it, what child doesn’t love to play in piles of autumn leaves)? When I saw that first leaf, I immediately thought that dried things burn easily. I’ve been feeling dry spiritually. Maybe the Lord will set my heart aflame. I pray so.
Love you and your poetic pen and lyrical lens!
Lynn
Hi Lynn, what marvelous stories from your NY aunt! I’m so glad too that you have your mother’s company in your life. Such riches with these women.
I hope your Bach group secures sufficient funding and that you can all resume that lovely avenue of sacred play together.
Most of all, may the needed renewal refresh your spirit, be it subtle as dew or an almighty ripsnortin’ gullywasher that reenergizes the spiritual chlorophyll!
Thank you, dear Laurie… yes, I love Mother to pieces . . . and I will take any saturation I can get. Thank you!
May it rain rain rain and bring you both joy!
“altars my view”–oh my, that is a double take on a word if I ever read one. I’m going to be chewing on that.
I started a blog post on that double take a while back. Perhaps I’ll return to it and see where else it might lead. Thanks, Jody.
This piece is WONDERFUL. Thank you!
I sense God is desiring to do something new in me, in others (that husband who never seems to change…). Your questions to ponder, reflect and look for change as God brings it, in me, in others perhaps, are SO HELPFUL!
How grateful I am that the LORD brought your blog to my awareness through the work He prepared in advance for me to walk in as I prepped for that Little Princesses Camp at my church.
May the LORD continue to fulfill His purpose for you, Laurie.
Blessings….Jan E
Jan, I’m so glad it captured you. Thanks for letting me know. Isn’t it marvelous how the simplest image, breathed on by the Spirit, can raise our awareness, sometimes freshly transfuse us with hope for ourselves and those we love?! I trust your camp experience was richly joyous and fruitful.
Hello Laurie,
I woke this morning thinking, “I’m looking forward to reading Lauries’s next sendout!” And Playdates did not disappoint me – very far from it – THANK you!
in His love, always,
Robert (Weston)
Oh Robert, that means the world to me. Thank you! Much love to you both!
Beautiful
Thanks, Mike! Wishing you joy this day
Heading out for a surprise playdate with Mother. I’ll come back, though, and comment more. As I read this from the very first, Laure–from the title–I thought: Oh surely she knows about Laura Boggess’s Playdates with God! And surely, you do!! Yay! You are two of my favorite poetic soul-scribes. More later, but I gotta go play!
Love
Lynn
What delight for you and your mum. I love Laura’s book. Talk to you later. 🙂
Love, love, love that phrase, “altars my view.” To view a facet of the world or of life and experience fresh, worshipful wonder of God’s all-encompassing orchestration–’tis a glorious delight! Thank you for YOUR cup of cool water today, Laurie. You’ve provided for us Spirit-inspired insight into the lessons of leaves! I have a babysitting playdate with two granddaughters this afternoon/evening. I pray I’ll breathe life into them with stories, songs, games, positivity, humor, and more!
Nancy, I am so glad you found refreshment here today. Thank you for letting me know.
I have one question . . . about tonight: is there room for one more??? 🙂 It would be a deep pleasure to spend time in any room where you’re breathing. Hope it comes true someday.
May your playdate be unforgettable for all three of you!
Oh, thank you, Laurie. Such kind words. It would be a GREAT pleasure to meet face to face one day!
If not this side of the veil, the other where all is timeless joy, my friend