Sprinklers and stars

I was listening to the radio yesterday evening, and the radio host was talking about how worried he was about becoming one of those "boring adults".  You've seen them, because here in America it has become the norm.  After you reach a certain age, it's suddenly okay to no longer become thrilled with life's simple joys, and it is automatically okay to wear grandpa sweaters and teacher-butt pants. Life becomes a chore...you wake up, take a shower, drink some coffee, go to work, come home, watch the news, and then go to bed.  Somewhere in between there you have to eat, go to the bathroom, and spend time with family and friends.  In order to get a thrill, we must go to a ridiculously rated cinema flick, or go jump off of a plane, or take our families to exotic places and call it a "vacation".  "Look at me!  I'm so exciting.  I jump off planes and take my kids to Disney World!  Quit judging me!"  The minute this adult gets home, it's okay to slump down on the couch and enjoy some good old fashioned Sports Center or Netflix, and then brush teeth and lay down for bed.  Since when did America become so calloused that it takes an extreme adrenaline rush in order to be moved even in the slightest?

 Observe a small, two year old child.  What does it take to get his heart racing?  A trip to Disney World, a plunge to the depths of the earth from the seat of a plane, or maybe even a racy film at the theater?  Hardly.  Just give him a sprinkler, a pair of swimming trunks, and a lot of grass to run around in and he is absolutely happy.  It gives even more meaning to the idea of having the heart of a child.  I think when it comes to hearts, God's heart is much closer to that of a child's than it must be to that of an adult.  I doubt when God created simple things like rabbits, stars, and trees that he was expecting to forget about them and only enjoy the more exciting things about the earth experience.  Here in America, simple things like sunshine and fresh air have become a means to an end, and the end just so happens to be jet skiing.  Or bungee jumping.

 I think it's nice to realize you are an adult, and have moved past childish things such as  argumentative drama, disobedience, and slander towards others.  To realize you have responsibility now is a wondrous thought...to be able to pay bills by your own labor is a great yet stressing conclusion to finally arrive.  God forbid though, I should ever get to the point when I can no longer take joy in acting immature right along with the teens.  God forbid I ever feel like I am above anyone else...simply because I pay bills now and am considering grandpa sweaters and teacher-butt pants.

 Please God, do NOT let me become a boring adult who cares all too much what others think about me.  I want to be funny, adored, and loved for the one you created me to be.  Let me take joy in Your simplicity and love.  Let me be moved by things like sunflowers, and wonderfully spicketted sprinklers on hot sunny days.  AMEN.  

Soooo...take a break today.  Stop going to crude R rated movies and bungee trips just to reach a point of excitement.  Breathe deep, and enjoy the ride.  Be a kid for once...it could save your life.