Overflowing Boundaries

Last Wednesday morning, for just a few hours, the otherwise serene and subdued Firstfruits space was transformed into a dance floor, a theater stage, and a playground. It became a place where we could overflow our boundaries. And boy did it feel good!

They say we are made in God’s image and likeness. We often think of that image and likeness with a seriousness. I believe that image and likeness also has a childlike component to it. Born in all of us is a naivete and curiosity towards life. A simplicity and an openness. There is a wellspring of joy that bubbles in us. These childlike attributes are essentials for living the abundant life God wants for us. The naivete and curiosity keep us learning and risking. The simplicity and openness enable us to see the good in people, places, and things. And the wellspring of joy is pure gift from God that when expressed, becomes contagious. It has a healing ripple effect.

Unfortunately, as we grow older, we put boundaries around this part of God’s image and likeness. It’s still there, but it’s boxed up and replaced by the more responsible and adultlike attributes.  Naivete becomes a sign of weakness.  Curiosity loses out to intellect. Worrying has replaced wondering.  A simple life is seen as a lazy, unproductive life. We’ve traded openness for judgment, which makes it harder and harder to see the good. And that wellspring of joy stays buried deep, destined for no one.

I’m convinced that the antidote to all the sadness and angst we are feeling these days in response to the craziness in the world is to let out the light, the levity, and the love that we keep bound up. The way to do that is to overflow our boundaries once in a while. Do something that puts you back in contact with the God-child in you.

If you are at a loss as to what that might be, here’s a suggestion from our time together last week. Just simply smile and raise your arms above your head for a minute. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels.

Joan