When I was a teenager we used to go to the roller skating rink, where they had something they called a spotlight skate. The boys would skate in a circle while the girls would gather in the center. Each girl would tell the usher which boy she wanted to skate with, and the usher would then shine a flashlight on the chosen one. She would then join the boy and skate with him during the next song. They would do three or four spotlight skates every night.
Of course, some boys were more popular than others and skated with several different partners. Others, like me, seldom enjoyed the glow of the flashlight beam. Feeling left out can be devastating, and it doesn’t change when we grow into adulthood. As you go about your life, be aware of people who seem to be left out or unincluded in an activity or a conversation. Make it a point to shine your light on them.
I guarantee it will brighten their day.
Good point, I like your gentle wisdom. Have a blessed day.
Thanks so much Hiram.
WOW, this post brought back memories I had long packed away. My Dad’s job required us to move often, so I was always the new kid. Friendships were not taken lightly then and even more so now.
So true Judy.
Been there. I was terrible at all sports in Grammar School…Kickball, Volleyball, Softball.
I broke my right arm (dominant arm)in 8th Grade on the 13th of February and had to have a cast. I was told that with only 6 weeks left in Grammar School I could fail PE for not participating. I wanted to graduate so bad that I learned to PRINT with my left hand.
Right before the Summer Break, I was at Third Base in Kickball and caught a fly ball with my right arm still in a cast (I squeezed the ball between the cast and my body) and then threw the runner trying to return to Second Base out with my Left arm. I even learned to kick the ball and somehow make it to First Base without being thrown out.
That was it for me for sports. Graduated Grammar School and went to Ramsay High School for the next four years. I took Extracurricular Classes to avoid Gym Classes and made it through all four years without having to take a single Gym Class.
Quite a story Ruth. Great life lessons.
This is so true Ken. When I was the youth director at our church I always strived to include those who seemed left out and too shy to participate. Great post today.
No telling how many souls you touched mark.