Of Field Days and Friend Frenzies

Posted on June 17, 2009 12:00 AM MST by Tiffany Kinerson

“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30

Do you remember field day? The P.E. teachers would set up all these events and you and your buddies would run and play and try out all the activities. Sometimes they were serious, like a 50-yard dash. And sometimes they were just silly, like a sack race. But, man, field days were nothing but fun.

My oldest, Joseph, just had a field day at school. I saw him for about thirty seconds, since I was in charge of the tug-o-war. He was jumping and laughing with his little foursome of first grade buddies. They had time to come say hi and try out my activity, but then they were off again, into the wild beyond. I tried to catch a glimpse of him before my shift was over, but all I saw was a sea of sweaty little heads, a wave of laughter crashing down on my ears. It was time to let my little fish go, so I left.

When school was over, Joseph was still covered in sweat, his face red from exertion...and the Texas springtime. Each of the kids had received a jump rope, and they were in a cluster, showing off their skills. “Hey, Momma!” Joseph yelled in greeting as I walked up to retrieve him. Then, still excited with his friends, he yelled about how many jumps he could do in a row. And he proved it.

I hate to pull him from his friends. It always seems like such a sad event as he monkeys toward adulthood, grabbing one hand after another like rungs on playground equipment. But our time is our time, and I know the boy still needs his rest. So we waved good-bye and walked toward the car.

He jumped and laughed with me until, about five steps away from his big day, his legs wobbled. He paused and looked up at me with those long-lashed eyes suddenly tearing up. His hands didn’t raise like in his toddler days, but I saw the message in those frowning lips. “Are you tired?” He nodded, looked at the ground. “Do you want a piggyback?” He nodded again, and his hands rose to accept my offer. Then he melted onto my back. Exhausted.

I drove him home and carried him up to bed; I didn’t hear from him for another hour and a half.

Sometimes I forget that I am his barrier, his hiding place. I forget that my rules and expectations protect him, not only from the outside world but also from himself. He was tired, but he never would’ve admitted it in the midst of the friend and activity frenzy. He needed to be carried, and he needed a nap. Big time. But without his refuge, he wouldn’t have considered taking his break. I guess he would’ve eventually collapsed, but it was so much better that the collapse happened with me, instead of flat out on the playing field.

In our lives, we too have the same refuge. Although our refuge doesn’t always pick us up onto His back, He certainly asks us time and time again, “Are you tired?” And before we can respond He answers, “Come to Me. I will give you rest.” He is our barrier. He is our hiding place.

Do you feel like you’re in the middle of your own playing field? And are your legs wobbling and are tears gathering in your eyes, but your friends are still out, and you’ve got one more trick to show them on your own personal jump rope?

Take it from my eight-year-old, it’s not worth it. Wave good-bye to your friends, your work buddies. Go to God. Take a nap with Him, rest. Let Him be your refuge of peace. In the midst of the friend and activity frenzy. Take a break. It’s the life God intended.

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