Joy In Childhood Connections
My home is filled with owls—stuffed, paintings, trinkets, even placemats. My love affair with owls began one Halloween when an unexpected encounter taught me a lesson.
I’d only been called to the principal’s office one other time, and I knew from that experience I never wanted to go back. But there I was on my way there again. My mind raced. What had I done?
Today was an early dismissal day so we'd have time for the school's Halloween costume contest before everyone headed downtown for the citywide parade. I knew if I were in trouble at school, my parents would never allow me to attend the parade. How could this happen today of all days?
Awaiting my fate in the office lobby, I became aware of the stares of a little boy sitting next to me. At first, I didn't realize what he was doing, but then it hit me. I was dressed from head to toe as Woodsy the Owl, the 70’s mascot for being green (his motto was “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute.”) The little boy was checking me out, and in childlike wonder he asked, "Are you really Woodsy Owl?" He was about the same age as my little sister who was in Kindergarten, and I, being a second grader, knew I could crush his illusion or play along. So, I turned to him and said, "Of course I'm Woodsy. Don't you see my feathers?" The little boy looked me up and down and then commanded that I prove it. "How?" I asked, before knowing what I'd said. "Turn your head around," he demanded. Now I was in trouble. Thinking quickly, I responded, "I can't, I'm having trouble with my neck."
Just then the Principal's door flew open and out came Smokey the Bear along with the school Principal and a fireman. "There she is gentlemen," my principal said pointing to me. I swallowed hard, not sure if I should run or hide. The fireman introduced himself and explained how the Principal had called them about Woodsy being at his school. He said they just had to come meet me. I shook hands with Smokey as the little boy looked on in awe. Then the fireman asked if I'd be willing to ride on the fire truck with Smokey the Bear in the town's parade that afternoon. I could hardly believe my ears.
The Principal went on to explain that my parents had already given their approval and were on their way to the school. That afternoon I rode with Smokey and all the firemen on the bright red fire truck with the siren blaring. This was the biggest event in my entire life. I was glad I'd been called to the Principal's office.
What I didn't know was a newspaperman had been in the office that morning waiting to photograph Smokey the Bear. He'd heard my conversation with the little boy and had photographed our encounter. We made front-page news. That day was a day I'll never forget, nor will a little boy because he not only met a real live Woodsy the Owl, but Smokey the Bear, and a fireman, too.
What I learned that day was how unbridled joy and blessing feels to a child. I was a child who was blessed to ride on a firetruck with Smokey the Bear. The child in the waiting room was blessed to meet Woodsy the Owl. The newspaper reporter was blessed to be in the right place at the right time. The principal was blessed to call parents with some good news about a child–I’m sure he made a lot of those other types of calls and this was a blessing. Joy is found in being blessed, but also in blessing others.
Today when I look at an owl, whether the images in my home or an owl created by God, I am reminded how simple joy can be. If you are struggling with joy, begin with the simple things. What things in your home remind you of a good memory? Think on these things. In what ways can you bring joy or blessings to others? Think on these things. What things in nature bring you joy? Think on these things. What simple childhood things bring you joy? Why not bring some of those things back into your life—and think on these things.
Name things in your home that bring you joy because of the memories surrounding them?
What are ways you can bless others and bring joy to both of your lives?
What in nature brings you joy?
What childhood things bring you joy—firetrucks, games, cartoons—relive those joy-filled memories. You are never too old.