Peam. What a gal. She strutted out with a dress that was a bit big on her and an attitude that was even bigger. She was the youngest girl with us on this slum day. After seeing what was her desire, she went straight to the middle of our playing area and kicked the soccer ball with all her might. She went after it, not caring she was young, new to the group, or that no one was paying attention to the soccer ball. Nope, she knew she wanted to kick that ball, so she did. She didn’t even desire to have others play with her; I wanted to play with her, to get her attention but she just simply wanted to play.
Recently I read “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.” Batterson explains how we must chase lions just as we chased dreams as a child. To be brave and adventurous and courageous. Unfortunately as we grow up we loose some of our desire to go after crazy things. We stop dreaming and stick to social norms and what things we are expected to do. Although, God has bigger plans for us if we are willing to chase after Lions, He will expose us to so many great opportunities and fun adventures. As I’ve reflected on this idea, I’ve been trying to understand the social norms of where I hold back. Where do I draw the line and not go crazy? Or ‘chase a lion’? Where do I let false expectations decide how I’ll act, respond or talk?
Flipping back to Peam. In her moment of courage and going after the soccer ball, she showed me about chasing lions. Our lions come in different sizes and shapes, but aren’t they all about getting a cool reward for going after the abnormal circumstances and being blown away by cool new experiences? For her, she got to kick the soccer ball and beam with excitement. She went after what she wanted, even though it wasn’t desired by others. She stepped into the unknown of how others would respond, but she didn’t let that hinder her. And she had a blast. It took me awhile to recognize her courage; but what a neat example of what chasing lions could look like.
I hope she can be an encouragement to you too, a reminder of what it takes to chase after the lion, but also the great reward and adventure. I’m grateful for Peam and I hope to chase after lions in every and all situations recognizing the reward of going after desires and adventure.
So what’s your lion today? What opportunity could you seek or strive for if you drop social expectations we live in? Hope Peam can be an example to you as she was to me!
Thanks for reading and following this adventure!
