Just for fun
December 18, 2007When I was little, I was quite an adventurer. I can’t even begin to count how many islands I was stranded on, how many dragons I’ve slain, and how much treasure I had amassed. I was also an avid alchemist. A plastic baseball bat, when it was gripped in my hands suddenly became a magical sword or, if I held it just so, it would become a machine gun. My imagination was a very powerful weapon.
Once, I was fighting giant crabs at our beach. There was still an army of them left and none of them were going to die without a sound whack from my mighty sword. Then I noticed a shell on the beach. Instantly, I destroyed the crabs with my imagination as I explored my precious find. I picked it up and underneath it I found a great treasure. It was nothing but a clear glass marble, but, in my mind, it was a pearl. I kept this pearl with religious care and I never let my brothers and sisters play with this marble as if it were a common marble. It was far more precious to me than those.
In a few years, I lost this pearl, and though I looked and looked for it time and time again, I was never able to find my treasure.
Recently, as we were digging through Christmas ornaments to put on our tree, I was scraping the bottom of the container that we keep them in. And what did I happen to find but a clear glass marble? My heart jumped and my eyes were fixed in awe of what I had found. I picked up this piece of my past. It was like I had found my childish imagination again after having lost it so many years ago.
As we finished decorating the Christmas tree, I wondered what my next activity ought to be. I thought about playing computer games and then I sternly rebuked myself. How could I play computer games when there were so many dragons to be slain? I went over to my neighbor’s house to play with their kids. Unfortunately, they did not want to swing a plastic bat to destroy the hoards of ferocious flying lizards, but they did want to enlist my help in their epic battle with the Sith Lords. So gladly did I pick up a stick, turn it into a lightsaber, and swing frantically as the Sith Lord enticed us to the dark side. I am glad to say that Earth is no longer in danger of the Sith Lords.
I enjoy my childlike imagination, as immature as it may sound. Oh well. I know what real life is and I know how to live it. But every now and then, I just need to release my silly imagination, be a kid and play with kids again, and have another adventure with them.
Immature? If that is immaturity, may God strike me with it, and may I never recover! What do people think imaginations are FOR, if not for adventures?
Now I see why you could talk about fairies seriously, as if you meant it. I was puzzled at the time, because as a rule people don’t understand. But I misjudged; you DID understand, and I’m so glad! It is a rare quality among grown-up children.
Hey, thanks for the comment on my blog. It was nice to hear from somone that doesn’t usually comment! I’m not serious about legos. Three sisters and no brothers? Nope, not serious. We just went into that store because it greatly piqued our interest. It was really neat. I bet you would’ve loved it.
You know I met Tiffany? Well, we talked about the magazine quite a bit. I’m so excited! I’m just telling you that because you’re on the team too, so you can relate. I cannot wait for the first issue to come out!
Oh, and great post. Really, really good. I hope I can write as well as you by the time I get to college. Keep it up!
Wow, that was great. I think there is nothing so damaging as for a child to grow up and lose his ability play without inhibition. Imagination is, in my opinion, one of the most precious gifts God gives to mankind, and it’s great to see someone holding on to it!
I have plenty of “pearls” of my own, things left over from my childhood that take me back into the world of a six year old every time I see them. Glad to hear you found yours!