Scooting Along

She was the picture of serenity, just riding that scooter blissfully down the smooth sidewalk.  Never looking from side to side, both legs securely on the scooter, she hardly had to adjust her steering.  The little girl couldn't have been more than eight years old but she definitely was the master of her vehicle. I wish I could have watched her for more than just a glimpse from my passing car.  To be sure, was was not aware of my interest in her.

Do you know any adults who are 'scooting' through life?  There are plenty who are content to stay where they are, never growing, never changing, never thinking life could be any better for them. They are the ones who never go to a meeting unless forced by their employers, join a group, try a new food, even vacation in a different location (if, in fact, they venture to take time off).

These 'adult scooters' are the shy, quiet ones, most conservative and 'stodgy' in the way they dress and act.  They think they are happy to just keep enclosed at home in their very small world of collections or TV sports or classical music or fish or peculiar plants or computer games.  They are AFRAID TO REACH OUT.  

Perhaps in the past they may have been hurt or rejected.  Instead of the normal response of getting back up, psychologically dusting yourself off, and thinking, "It's his (or her) loss.  There's other fish in the sea", the scooter prefers safety.  It must be a small, loveless life.

What can we do to prevent "scooting" in ourselves?  1) Try something new - food, a book recommended by a friend, a movie you wouldn't ordinarily attend, anything!  2) Never be afraid to love!  Be selective who you commit to, for life, but care for the whole world!  3) Keep your brain active and learn new things when the opportunity comes, and 4) Know what's going on in the world, have your own strong opinions, don't be afraid to express them, strongly and gently!  Be your own person!  Like who you are!

What might we do to prevent having children who will grow up to be  "scooters?"  1) Don't squash the creativity in them by doing too much for them, 2) give them chances to make decisions as they grow up, make sure they contribute to the household by little jobs at home as they grow, 3) Give them a rich (not in money), varied life, take them many places, let them meet many kinds of people.  The world is really a safe place, if you're careful where you go, and 4) strictly limit their time watching TV, being on the iPhone, tablets or computers.  You want them to interact with PEOPLE!

Lord in Heaven, one thing is for sure: in creating us humans, You were never a Scooter!  Help us help each other in enjoying the wonderful, loving life you made us for!