Last night it was cool outside, perfect for having a campfire. And what is a campfire without s’mors? For anyone that doesn’t know a s’mor is: toasted marshmallow tucked between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate layered in so it melts to perfection.
Seeing as there are no marshmallows in Greece this was a coveted treat. After two bags of marshmallows, two packages of Hershey bars and one box of graham crackers were consumed, the s’mor fest ended. It did not take long for the effects of all that sugar to kick in.
Suddenly, the teen and preteen boys were engaging in a quick paced game of tag that appeared to be a lot of slapping each other. With only three boys playing there were quick immediate tag backs, while trying to get out of the way before being hit. From my perspective I could see potential for someone getting upset looming, so a reminder was given, “Remember, it is only fun as long as everyone is having fun.”
One of the Greek cousins asked my son, “What did your mom say?” He explained, “She said that if one of us is not having fun we should stop.”
The rest of the tag game went well; the boys came in later exercised and sweaty. I was pleased they did not give into anger during their fast paced fun. Yet, as their parent (Aunt) I still saw it as my job to see into the future and prepare them for it.
There is no knowing if the reminder was needed, if it helped them make good choices in their play. None the less, I will continue to guide, never knowing when those words will be the very help a child needed.
II Peter 1: 12-13 "So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body."