Some Call This Bravery

So, what did you do today? Today was our daughter's pep rally for a fund raiser they're having on Friday. For the past 3 years Amy and I have been the organizers and MC's for this pep rally. Each year we've come out onto the field dressed as super heroes in front of maybe 300 kids and another 75 adults. This year we included our oldest daughter and we've always had an 'official' with us too.

It's just pure ridiculousness. We get the kids to chant. Teacher's play a game. We remind them to get pledges. We run around shamelessly in our costumes. For those of you with youth ministry background, it's kind of like doing camp program. I'll admit that I'm never sure this is a good idea as we get ready for it. I mean, look how I'm dressed, and you can imagine how I have to act. But in the end, it's always been fun.

As we were packing up the car to go home, a number of the parents who were there drove by us on their way out. They yelled out their thanks and attaboys. And usually some other comment too. "I could never do that." Or, "You should take that on the road." Or, "That was hilarious." Or, "You are so brave."

That last one made me pull up and think for a minute.  I suppose it's true that not many parents would do what Amy and I did this morning. But it's not bravery. At best it's shamelessness.  For Amy and I, I am beginning to realize, we lose something more important than our dignity if we let our sense of adult importance block us from great memories, laughter, and relationship. In this, I take my lead from Amy who lives more unfettered by shame and embarrassment than anyone else I know.

Three cheers for being a willing fool.