Act your age!
Act your age! Have you said that to a child or teenager in frustration when they act in ways you deem inappropriate?
As a career teacher, working with pre-school children to college age students, I likely chastised misbehaving students with an admonition of, “Act your age!” Students of all ages can display immaturity, disrespect, and an unwillingness to play or work cooperatively with others (some adults have this problem, too). My expectations for my students included demonstration of maturity, respect, and cooperation in all situations.
But recently, I experienced the phrase (Act your age!) being applied to me.
As I approach the decade beginning with seven, I still push-mow my grass, carry fifty pound bags of horse feed, lift even heavier bales of hay, and carry five-gallon buckets of water. Raised as a farm-girl, I know the meaning of physical labor and continue to engage in strenuous work.
And…I like to play!
A new park opened near my house and I took my grandchildren to check it out.
Even I am awed by the size of the equipment. I suppose I’m still a youngster at heart, because isn’t age just a number? The challenges of this playground call to me (even at my advanced age). Access to the platforms, where all the fun takes place, is only by climbing. This is a problem for little people (and perhaps for old folks).
My granddaughter, although a little timid, was able to do some of the activities unassisted. However, our boy, was too small for most things, although he really wanted to do it all.
It didn’t take him long to find this access point and he scampered up. He’s brave, but not aware of potential dangers, so I went up, too. At the top, he discovered tunnels and twists and turns to run through with happy squeals. I ran here and there blocking his path when he would’ve charged off the platform, unaware that the ground was far below.
How do we get down?
Now our dilemma…how do we get off the platform? No steps. The metal ladder might not work as well for him going down, so I opted to take the slide.
I held him and off we went.
The slide was wet.
I tried to grab the side to slow us down, but it was also wet. We sailed off the end of the slide, airborne, until gravity took control.
Wham!
My bottom hit the ground. He giggled. I groaned.
Later I described our experience to my daughter, but she just shook her head and said, “Maybe…“
“I should act my age?” I finished her sentence.
Some lessons learned
(Besides the need to wait until slides are dry).
Make time for joy and fun. It’s important to experience new and joyful activities together. Our interactions aren’t just about teaching children good behavior and respect for others. We all need time for joy, fun, and new adventures (even grown-ups!
Have a plan. I went up onto the platform without a plan to come down. In any situation, before we initiate an action, we need to look at what will be the next step. Before leaving on a three-hundred mile trip, we devise a travel plan, have adequate fuel in the tank, and obtain directions for how to get there. We plan ahead.
We are role models for our children. There were other children at the playground. We practiced taking turns, encouraged the children’s successes, and helped them when needed. My granddaughter made a new friend, and the adults interacted with each other, bonded by love for children and neighbor.
Shine the light! Every interaction we have each day provides an opportunity for us to show love and share the light of Jesus with others. My grandchildren saw and heard me thank the other children and their parents for sharing in the joyful experience we had.
For all ages…
No matter our age, we have the ability to demonstrate love and kindness for others. And, we have the assurance of our Father’s support and guidance as we mentor to others.
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)
So is age just a number? What activities gift you with joy and fun?
If you have a moment, I invite you to view this TedTalk on the value of fun and finding joy in each day.
Oh, I laughed, smiled, and grimaced right along with you there Ms. Katherine. We recently had a “Back to School Bash”, which we use as a sign-up day for our AWANA program. With water slides of all kinds, I was happy just watching the kiddos splashing, squealing with delight, and enjoying the day with their friends. But when Ms. Christy, our Pastor’s wife and program director joined in with the fun with the kiddos, all of our smiles widened. I hope you also recognized that your showing your grands how important it is to smile, laugh, and enjoy moments is to their wellbeing and growth. We can’t be a “stick in the mud” like this old farmer here all the time. 🙂 Loved the post ma’am, and sending an extra tube of Ben-Gay for the next park outing.
Yes, I can use the Ben-Gay, my friend, but my soreness for several days was worth the fun we had. And, of course, I love getting some mileage from telling the tale/tail (pun intended). Water slides are one of my favorites! I know the children and all AWANA folks had a grand time and with this hot weather, water fun is the best. I hope all is well on the Cross Dubya. Family and friends helped me get in enough hay for the winter and we’ve had some good rains to help the pastures. God is Good!
Katgerine, I love your attitude. Age is just a number. We can be young at heart no matter how many birthdays have passed. Our spirit never ages. In light if eternity we are still babies! I’m glad you made it down the slide without any further mishaps. Blessings my friend!
I love your attitude, too, Barbara. I think you enjoy fun as well. Let’s hope we can always remember to enjoy life–it’s a gift to be young at heart. Wishing you a blessed week, filled with joy and fun!
Fun times with your grandkids! I have a saying that changes each year as I age, but it keeps the same pattern and it currently goes like this. “I’m a 41 year old trapped in a 61 year old body.” I simply refuse to grow up. That’s for old, stoic people! I will say that I don’t like heights as much as I used to. If I am off the ground more than 10 feet, there better be a swarm of bees to collect. Enjoy those outings with your grandkids as often as possible! Thanks for your post!
I’m with you Ben–we may be getting older in years but we can still be young at heart and joyful in spirit. I’ve never much liked heights (such as being on a roof), but I’ve stacked many a load of hay seven layers high. I will admit to trying to be more careful in things that might lead to tumbles or falls (except on a slide). Thank you for sharing a smile today, my friend.
Katherine, What beautiful memories you are making with your grandchildren! They will always remember how you joined in with their fun. I think one of the many gifts children give us is their ability to spark youthfulness in us. I can’t help by think how you are also being a role model for them through your writing which they’ll be able to read as they get older.
I agree with you, Beth, that children help keep us young. I’m semi-retired from teaching, but my college students always helped me remember my youthful side (which is still there inside even if the wrinkles show my age on the outside). As writers, we are a role model and I’m so thankful that God is with us on that journey. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. You’ve blessed my day!
Thanks for a laugh-out-loud moment, Katherine. Just what I needed. Thanks also for the lessons learned. Blessings.
I think laughter is good medicine and we need a good dose of it every day. Thank you for your encouragement and the blessings you share each day. Wishing you a week filled with joy and laughter.
Farm girls are my hero’s. Where I keep my horse the owner of the property is in her mid eighties and she runs that place like a youngster. With my issues I feel like our ages are swapped. She (and you) inspire me and I pray I too will be feeling young a spry too. Soon!
You’re my hero, Jen. You’ve persevered through so many trials regarding your health. Praying that you’ll soon be able to do some fun thing as your physical health improves. Wishing you a joyful week!
You and I are kindred spirits when it come to age, an active lifestyle, and a love for hanging out with children. Aging has been on my mind lately because I’m starting to notice subtle limitations to my energy, strength, and balance. Your post reminds me that although I may (will) become more limited physically, I can still model God’s love, kindness, and heart for others as long as the little ones will hang out with me.
I’m noticing some changes, too, Candyce. Can’t lift as much, tire more easily. But on the other hand, I can still do a LOT and I’ll keep trying as long as I can. You are right–we can “still model God’s love, kindness, and heart for others.” I hope you’ll find joy and fun this week!
Katherine, I am so glad there is someone who goes to the playground to play WITH their grandchildren. Like you, I climb and use the slides as we have a granddaughter who needs some encouragement to try new activities. May we continue to make memories and use the IcyHot as necessary 🙂 I am glad you were badly hurt!
Thank you for sharing, Joanne. I’m glad you still like to “play.” I hope we never become too old to play and experience joy with others, especially children. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry of service to our Lord.
What fun I had reading your post, Katherine. I did hold my breath on the description of your slide experience. Age is truly just a number. When I was close to retirement, I still considered myself “one of the girls” at work. Now, I love playing with grandchildren and pretending with them. I think God wants us to enjoy life at every age.
I agree, Jeannie! Our Father created us with the ability to love, laugh, play, and enjoy life. I believe He intended us to experience life fully, including the joys and blessings of family and friends. Like you, I enjoy my time with my grandchildren. Keeps us young, I think.
You made me smile today, Katherine. When I began going on mission trips years ago, I was impressed by how many retired people participated on these strenuous trips. I resolved to imitate them as I grow older, never bowing out of life because of a number.
I have great admiration for you and your mission work, Annie. Those of you who serve, give the gift of yourselves in loving kindness to those you serve. It keeps you young at heart, I think. I know those older workers were an inspiration. And now, perhaps, we are an inspiration for those coming after us. Wishing you continued blessings in your mission work.
I’m in the decade that starts with an 8, but in the decade that starts with 7, my Grandchildren knew that I would be fun. For instance, in a birthday party in a park, the children got on a circular thing that goes round. My oldest after trying looked around for me and shouted ‘PaPa Tom will spin us!’ I put my camera up and did I ever spin them. The youngest had to sit down and hold on. Faster, faster was what I heard.
Your grandchildren will cherish the memories of “Papa Tom” and your willingness to join in their play. When we give of ourselves and our time, it’s one of the most precious gifts we can share with our loved ones. Thank you, sir, for visiting my blog and sharing this happy time to give us a smile.
So glad the park is near your house and you can continue to show your grandchildren how to have fun and adventures and interact with others. Keep the Ben Gay handy and enjoy. God bless!
Thanks for sending the smile, Nancy, I’ll try to enjoy the play and not get hurt. That’s a precious memory I’ll treasure (even if it did give me a sore bottom). Wishing you blessings, my friend, and joyful time with family.
Oh, Katherine, I laughed with you and then groaned with you, too! I hope you didn’t suffer any lasting damage! I also appreciated your good lessons from your day with your grandchildren!
No lasting damage, thankfully, just a little soreness. It was worth it! Wishing you joy and blessings. I hope you’ll have a lovely fall and winter won’t come immediately.
Ok, I confess, I wish I’d been there to see it!! Your love of life always encourages this melancholy soul!!
I’d never describe you as melancholy, Sylvia, but if your are, I wish you joy instead. I know we always experience periods of sadness or anxiety, that’s to be expected as part of life. But your messages you share with us are, most often, full of joy and hope. Wishing you sunshine and a happy day.
Thanks for a laugh. I have heard my children tell me that too because I’m just a big kid at heart. But then I remember that Jesus told the crowd to have faith like a child so nothing wrong with not acting our age.
Yes, Jesus loved children, and recognized we should emulate the simple and trusting faith of a child. We definitely should seek that in our walk with our Lord. Thank you for your encouragement, Yvonne. Your kindness blesses me (and all with whom you share your love of Jesus). Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry.