I Certainly Learned My Lesson

I have been hearing these words from the mouths of adults a lot lately. They are usually used in anger towards someone who has not done what one has expected. It has really made me start thinking about that concept... "I have learned my lesson"  Really?? Have I?? Or have I actually UNLEARNED a lesson or two.

You see, I believe the most important lessons in life are learned very early on when we are so close to our God...We love unconditionally as little people...we give without expecting something in return...we trust those around us. I believe we begin to unlearn these lessons as we "mature"and the world hurls pain at us from so many unexpected places.

My mother used to point out to me that I could never go anywhere without bringing something back to my family...it was something I always did as a little girl. I gave...with no expectations. It made me so happy, and still does.
When Adam was a youngster, he was like that...He took his hard earned money at Christmas time and bought "special" gifts for each of his cousins and grandparents. He was so proud, as he passed them around to each family member. Though I cannot remember what he gave to all...he picked out what he thought would make them happy. My mother's cat figurine was so very special to her, because Adam had picked it out for her.

Then, later, Dean and I got to spend some "bonding" time individually with the grandkids on their birthdays. We felt that maybe the kids would remember the experiences with their grandparents, more than they would remember the "presents". We had some great experiences at Chuck E. Cheese, Celebration Station, Putt Putt Golf, Mosi, and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa.

Each time, we successfully encouraged each grandchild to bring something home to their siblings. They got a kick out of that...Ruthie and Rusty, being older, quickly picked things out for the others, and then spent time choosing for themselves. BUT...when Flip turned 5, and we were allowed to take him to the Aquarium.....well...he taught us a lesson. It was so natural to him, and he thought very hard about each present..for Rusty, a "snow globe", which Rusty collects. For Ruthie he carefully chose a stuffed animal, which he knew she would love. Then, not even thinking about picking something out for himself, he proceeded to go straight to the toys, which he knew his Dad would enjoy and play with him. Then, it was over to the emery boards that he felt his Mom would love and use....He was so involved in picking things out for others, that he had to be encouraged to get something for himself. At that moment, he reminded me so of Adam, as a little guy....

No, I think we have already learned the lessons we need, as little people. It is so sad that we have to UNLEARN those lessons and not remember the joy in giving ourselves to others...loving others more than ourselves...and treating all people with the same love and grace that God has heaped on us..Oh, to be 5 again!!!

Springtime FSU

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April 10 brought some Springtime fun to Tallahassee. The main course was the annual spring football game. It began at 5PM. BUT the whole day was filled with sports, food and fun! Mike and Adie Price came to join in with the crowd!

The weather was beautiful...sunny but cool. We parked at the football stadium and walked to the track. There was an Invitational that began around noon. We watched the men's triple jump, and then headed back past the Tennis Complex. The ladies were hosting Boston College, and we watched some of the doubles. Then it was volleyball in Tully Gym. The ladies were hosting an Invitational. We watched a little Georgia vs Georgia Tech and some FSU vs the gators. Rivalries are such fun. There was also a water polo match and a ladies' softball game,and a men's Lacrosse which we did not have time to watch.

We got some lunch at the Seminole Village and went to the FSU Flying High Circus. Adie had never been...Dean, Mike and I had last attended while we were in college. FSU's circus is the only completely collegiate affair! Students perform, rig, make costumes...you name it the students do it. We talked with a young lady who is a Junior..she performs on the trapeze and also works with the riggings. This year, there were over 300 students who tried out for 100+ positions. What a unique group..they receive 1 college credit for hours upon hours of training. They do however get to have a summer job at Callaway Gardens, where they perform throughout the summer and hold summer camps for kids. Katie said that she had been in gymnastics, as a youngster, and those skills helped her tremendously.

After the circus, we headed for the Seminole Booster Box to watch the Seminoles' spring football game. I must admit, it was nice to know that we were going to "win" the game. Our new coach, Jimbo Fisher, asked for 50,000 fans to show up. After the final count we had over 51,000 fans and 1 horse!! I think that was the largest crowd in awhile. The most fun was watching the halftime garnet and gold scrimmage, with former FSU players. Brad Johson and Casey Weldon led their teams which included some names that FSU folks would recognize...Peter Warrick, Terrell Buckley, Darnell Dockett, Kirk Caruthers, Alfonso Carreker,and many others.

After a busy day, which seemed a lot longer than when we were in our twenties, we returned home. What a wonderful day with good friends, beautiful spring weather, great food, and a sports, sports, and and circus adventure!!