Shades of Gray

Grandson Scott sent me a text early this past week, reminding me to come to his high school musical on Friday, where he played in the orchestra. With that prompting, there was no way we would not attend their production of "Pipin". Knowing nothing about the play, I was looking forward to the show. We arrived in Brentwood early, to visit with the kids and enjoy dinner with Reed and Dorothy and kiddos. Mom came along too. We entered the gym moments before the play was scheduled to begin. The only handicapped seating was in the very back and there was no room for regular folk. So we seated Mom in the back and went to our assigned seats. The orchestra, including Scott, entered and the show began. As the show progressed, the actors and singers did a fine job. The orchestra was good too.

It seems to me that participating in that kind of show takes over your life for a time as each actor absorbs the story, with all its lines and music and invests in endless rehearsals. So it seems to me also that the story should be especially chosen where youth are involved to provide an uplifting message. How naive of me. As the story of Pipin unfolded a steady diet of fornication was woven into it. I was disappointed to see the primary characters refer to it over and over again. The ending was a bit more positive. The kids were great. But it was shadowed, for me, by the message. What could have been a strong message of positive purpose was grayed down by too many references to sex. I worry that our already sex-laden society is shooting its dark arrows with greatest energy at our youth. Many of our teachers seem to have no clue that this may not be best for kids. I don't believe that Scott noticed any of this; he simply enjoyed participating. Perhaps that is the advantage of youth after all.

I worked in the garden one day this past week. I'm always surprised by the seductive power of the yard. I had a simple goal of cleaning out one section of the front yard. That finished, other parts called to me. "I'll just spend a couple of minutes there," I thought. But that turned into yet another hour, and on it went, until it was time to fix dinner. I simply have no self-discipline where the yard is concerned.

This past Sunday was our extended Family Home Evening. Ben decided it would be fun to bring 4 of the kids over on Saturday and spend the night. It was a lovely time as we had some unusual alone time with Ben. It was fun to bond with the little kids too. Little Abigail is beginning to be interested in grandparents. It is such a lovely sound to hear her say, "grandma!" Sunday afternoon the rest of the gang arrived and we had a very fun time celebrating Ben's and James' birthdays and having a lesson on honesty by Jessica. Games followed, led by Reed. These times together are a growing treasure to me. There is not a person in my family that I don't love and enjoy. No bad apples mar our pleasure in each others' company.

This week I'm a people-lover, more than usual, as I have been reminded all week long of the value other people play in my life.

Pictures: Top is Ben and James, the birthday boys. Ben recently shaved his head as a cure for increasing hair loss. It's a whole new look but we are getting used to it and beginning to like it. Next is Abigail, all ready for Church. Note the binky, a constant companion. Bottom is our Extended FHE game time, led by Reed and Dorothy. Fun for all.