LOOKING FOR A THRILL
I can still see his feet and arms fly toward the ceiling from that split second glance I stole from him so many decades ago. Funny how a millisecond in time can be etched into our minds for life… It was in the long gone days of adolescence when not more than a few minutes of boredom could fuel less that honorable actions.
The fall night was brisk, the desert moon had the rare night off and my buddy Dave and I were looking for a thrill. I remember navigating the winding and hilly streets that had no sidewalks or street lights when it was so dark you couldn’t see the pavement hunched over at the waist in search of it.
We played all the games the urban kids did, but some of the best games were played on other people’s possessions and at their expense. It was one of those light forsaken nights that I retired from one of my all time favorite adolescent games… I can’t remember if it was Dave’s idea or mine, but we were definitely up for another round of “Ring and Run.”
The big living room window was wide open and we could hear voices coming from inside as we crept up the steep blacktop driveway. “We could get caught!” Dave whispered, backhanding me in the shoulder. That made it even better… I backhanded him in excitement and tradition for good measure. The sidewalk led to the front door and one of the best adolescent toys ever made; a doorbell on the other side of that open window. “We can crawl underneath!” I whispered back.
Maybe it was my neighborhood that made me feel like I should lead… or maybe just sheer stupidity… Probably a solid dose of both…
I stopped just under and at the corner of the big window and spied into the house… Four people, two men and two women. Happily visiting like folks used to do more of. I could tell the guy closest to the door was the owner. He had black horn-rimmed glasses, thinning brown hair, his arms folded and resting behind his head as he lounged in the vinyl orange chair that had survived the sixties.
With my heart beating in my throat, I started to crawl toward the musical button flanking the door. Half way across I spotted Dave chickening out and making his way slowly back down the steep driveway. I’m not sure what possessed me to, but I suddenly jumped up in the middle of the wide window and yelled at the top of my lungs, “AAHHHHHHH!!!” and was off like The Flash.
You don’t think about things like looking into a bright lit room then turning to sprint down a steep black driveway not knowing where it flattens out at the street when you’re a kid. The man that pert near jumped outta his skin would have been happy to know my knees and hands looked like hamburger after I hit the road at the bottom of his driveway…
I think about things like that when I spot folks running through life – full speed ahead into danger, not considering the consequences and the cost of finding a thrill. It’s a wise person that calculates the cost…
Audra Krell
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 6:19 pm
I’m cringing picturing the aftermath of that fall…..
Your descriptions are great! I was right there with you and now my palms are stinging! Thanks Floyd. LOL
Oh how I miss the days when people used to just go visiting after supper. Glorious.
Floyd
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 9:38 pm
Having less didn’t mean we had less life… In some ways we had more… That was the last time I ever tried to ring a doorbell and run… Thanks, Audra. Good to hear from you, sister.
Pam
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 6:55 pm
My husband always says you can tell when a kid is growing up–he thinks about the consequences. Oh the tales we could tell, Floyd, of times we DIDN’T consider the consequences! Great writing!
Floyd
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 9:40 pm
And not too many of us considered the consequences! I was the slow learner that required some pain of some sort to get through to me! Yep… I’ve endured some pain! All worth it I can assure you! Wise words from that hubby of the cloth! Thanks, Pam.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 7:59 pm
I wonder if those inside the house were more scared than you both? This caused me to smirk a silly smile, because I can remember those days when fun was not expensive and no one really got hurt except for some heart thumping times. Danger might be there if they owned a big dog and let him loose after some scamps. Thanks for sharing this one at “Tell Me a Story.”
Floyd
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 9:43 pm
Oh we were dumb.. But not dumb enough to try that on houses with dogs any where close! I hope you can picture my smile as I think of yours… I’ve read your books… I know you weren’t an angel either! Thanks, for the smile, and thanks for letting me share this at your wonderful blog hop, Hazel.
donna
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 9:14 pm
Great story, made me chuckle…sounds like a typical saturday night in the 60’s…kids having fun. Those were the good ole days. still chuckling…
Floyd
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @ 9:45 pm
A chuckle is a pretty good gift… We just had so many when we were young we didn’t consider the value! Sounds like you know the thrill first hand, Donna! A time gone, but not forgot… Bless you, sister. Keep chuckling!
Betty Jo
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 3:13 am
I’m laughing out loud Floyd. Just what I needed to start this day off right. I’m sorry you were hurt, but I laugh every time I think of that poor fellow inside the house. I think you tapped a malicious streak in me! This is sooooo true . . . “It’s a wise person that calculates the cost.” The Holy Spirit is whispering warnings to many of us in that still small voice, if we would only slow down long enough to listen.
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 11:07 am
Glad to give you a laugh, Betty Jo! It’s true; we get older but still tend to ignore the Holy Spirit that is guiding us in Light… and you know what happens when you run in the dark!!! Thanks, Betty Jo.
Mia
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 6:43 am
Dear Floyd
Children will be children, brother, and this is quite “innocent” fun. It breaks my heart to see what the teens do nowadays for a thrill. I grew up in Middelburg, a small Karoo town. We moved when I was six and I still remember how naughty my brother and I was. My dad was a dentist and some years later, when we ran into people from Middelburg, we asked them if they remembered my dad. Their answer was that how could they forget the dentist with the naughty children.
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 11:10 am
It takes one to know one, sister! I knew we had much in common! If they could only see us now… Sometimes the wildest horses make the best workers. The headstrong children have a purpose after the days of youth, sister. Thanks for using yours in His service. Blessings to you and yours as well, Mia.
Dan Erickson
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 6:53 am
I know I shouldn’t, but a laughed at your jumping up in front of the window and screaming. It’s so juvenile, but funny. I suppose the fall served you right, though. I’m still chuckling Floyd.
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 11:13 am
The fall most definitely served me right! But isn’t that the story of all of us? As painful as it was getting my hands and knees as well as my jeans torn to shreds, I still couldn’t stop laughing… Well, eventually I did. Now I just smile at how juvenile we were… Thanks, Dan.
Voni
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 9:00 am
*grin* So how old were your kids when you told them this story?
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 11:16 am
You know I never have. I suppose it’s safe now that the youngest is in tenth grade. I just didn’t want them to get ideas. I wrote a post once about how my dad told a story when he was in the service and an officer told someone he served with to “wipe that smile off your face!” and the guy did literally with the palm of his hand… I used that trick at school with my fourth grade teacher. She sent me to the office… I’ve tried to be careful with my kids and what I’ve told them! Of course they know I still like to laugh and joke… sometimes to a fault! Thanks for making me think. It’s not always pleasant! Thanks, Voni.
Betty Draper
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 10:32 am
Again you captured our thoughts and brought truth wrapped up in your soul cage that rattled around people houses. Great job brother, great job.
I love Pam comment on growing up, you can tell when a kid is growing up–he thinks about the consequences.” It just takes longer for some people and more skinned knees and hands. It has been a joy to watch God work in Jared (our son heart) as he has counted the consequences as he run from the Lord. My heart is excited to put words to a post about God working in Jared heart. I so appreciate you and others who have taken him before the throne of grace.
‘
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 11:20 am
What an honor it is to not only pray for our family in Christ, but what a blessing it is to see His majestic hand in our lives as He pours out His love and grace. From my vantage point, not being of wisdom, but of knowing his rearing and the story of my life, I knew your son would turn to see his Father and his mom and dad looking for him in the distance… just like the dad in the story shared by our Savior. Thanks, Betty. I’m looking forward to the story of your boy.
SimplyDarlene
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 10:35 am
What?! No tp?
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 11:21 am
TP? Naw, that took to long! Not to mention it was like gold in our full house!
Bill (cycelguy)
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 1:01 pm
you rebel rouser you. I am not sure I can continue the influence of this type of friendship. I would never do anything like this. Nope, as sure as I would turn to run i would either trip over a shrub or when I hit the street. 🙂
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 7:22 pm
You did used to keep such good company… What’s become of you? I’ll bet you’ve had some skinned up shins and hands along life’s merry way, Bill! My only saving grace is that I’m not 6’5″ and have less of a fall! Thanks, Bill.
Ngina Otiende
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 3:50 pm
This is so funny! Scaring folks was more thrilling than ringing their doorbell! 🙂 I agree, sure that old man would have been happy to know you got good lesson from your-thrill-their-scare!
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 7:23 pm
Yeah, they would have been “thrilled” to know I was bleeding and tore one of only two pairs of jeans I owned! I have to admit that it didn’t keep us from laughing till we cried… at the time that is… Thanks, Ngina.
Lincoln Parks
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 6:34 pm
Such an awesome story and takeaway. I can’t believe you just yelled out, I can’t stop laughing right now, but the takeway from this is awesome. We do sometimes run in the dark without really knowing where we are going and not seeking any Guidance from God, so true Floyd. Awesome Post.
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 7:26 pm
I find the ones that laugh the hardest are the ones that can relate the most! Without the guiding hand of our Father, it’s all runnin’ in the dark, brother. Sounds like you’ve already learned this lesson… maybe more than once! Which makes me feel a whole lot better! Glad you could get a laugh… it’s okay if it’s at my expense! Thanks, Lincoln.
Lincoln Parks
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 8:15 pm
Floyd, I am right there with you. I have done the same things and was totally in the dark. Thanks for helping me remain humble, you are such a blessing.
Floyd
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 7:15 pm
That goes both ways, my friend. Thanks to you as well, iron sharpens iron, brother.
Kristin
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 6:51 pm
Oh, this made me smile and giggle! Sorry about the hands and knees. But I’m sure they healed and you grew up. . .right??? 😉
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 7:29 pm
Oh I deserved that torn flesh, you can say ‘I earned it.’ Like so many other times in life trying to run through this life blinded from His truth by my stubborn flesh. I’m older, that’s for sure! And yes, I think I’m finally growing up. Thanks, Kristin.
child of God
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 7:44 pm
Hahaha, that is so funny but I can imagine the scare you gave them. Tisk, tisk. 😛 But I guess you did get your punishment, a bit harsh no doubt but I’m sure you learned your lesson.
Good clean fun, there really is no harm in that.
Blessings brother.
Floyd
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 7:52 pm
My guess is that you’ve got some similar memories too! Yeah, could have been much worse I suppose. Those are indeed the type of lessons that do eventually catch up with you on your knees somewhere in life… Thanks, sister.
Dan Black
Monday, January 20, 2014 @ 10:04 pm
Oh, the things that youth do. They often don’t think about the consequences until it’s too late. I think we have both done our fair share of action without thinking (More in our youth though:)
Floyd
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 7:18 pm
Thanks God literally that we out grow it! More or less… ! Thanks, Dan.
Bernard
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 8:05 am
Funny. The crazy things we did as youth. I still do things without thinking through the possible consequences. I don’t count the cost until it is to late. I am reminded that the wisest teacher ever gave a parable which He makes the statement, ‘count the cost’. If He said it, there is validity to it.
Floyd
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 7:20 pm
You’re not alone, Bernard! By sharing in honesty it lifts one another up… and I thank you for your encouraging and honest words, my friend. “Count the cost…” Yep. May we count before we leap… Thanks, Bernard.
Mike
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 10:47 am
It’s a good thing we didn’t know each bother when we were young as we would have probably got into all kinds of trouble together. You’re right about people going through life at full speed. If we’d slow down a little and smell the roses once in a while we would probably have a lot fewer scrapes in life metaphorically speaking that is”.
Floyd
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 7:22 pm
You and I would be like gas and matches! Our Father knew enough to keep us apart! With all the scrapes we’ve shared we got some stories to tell, don’t we Mike? Thanks for the chuckle, Mike…
tcavey
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 11:49 am
Entertaining post with a great lesson at the end. You’re so good at this type of writing.
I can look back in my life and see the hand of God keeping me safe as I did really stupid things (like going jogging at midnight). I think part of it is growing up and part of it is being too self absorbed. I wonder what I think of my “maturity” in another five years? I wonder how many time I’ll see the hand of God keeping me safe? I just hope I’m not making some of the same dumb mistakes…though I am so grateful He doesn’t have a limit on His saving grace.
Floyd
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 7:25 pm
If there were limits on His grace, you and I would be out of luck… and grace!!! I too see the sovereign and gentle hand of our Father through out my life… and looking forward will only bring more wisdom. Thanks, TC. I appreciate your insight.
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 6:48 pm
I agree. Having been a knee-jerk person for about 65 years, maybe only 63, it’s something I have to deal with. Sometimes it’s the right thing to do …one of my main mottoes is “Right Place, Right Time” … but, occasionally it’s definitely the WRONG thing to do. And I don’t usually realize until after I’ve screwed something up, turned people away, messed things over. But, til my knees don’t work and my brain shuts down, I’ll still be a knee-jerk person. Hmm! I keep finding out that you and I.. even though I’m MUCH older than you are .. that we might fit into the same family. Blessings, Bro…
Floyd
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 7:32 pm
Oh, sister… I figured out a long time ago that you and I were cut from the same bolt of cloth sister… but it’s our Father’s cloth! We all screw up, but a whole lot less than we used to. Proof that God is bringing us along, Joanne. Always good to hear from you, always brings a smile to my face. Thank you!
Wanda
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ 7:36 pm
You have quite knack for storytelling Floyd. I could just picture the look on that poor guys face and can imagine the pain you must have felt after that little incident. The aftermath of thrills have a way of leaving us wishing we had thought things out a little bit better.
Floyd
Thursday, January 23, 2014 @ 4:50 pm
Amen to that! Wisdom sometimes comes the hard and painful way… especially to hard heads like me! But we all have things to learn one way or the other. Thanks, Wanda.
Caleb Suko
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 @ 12:12 am
Sooner or later those things tend to catch up to us. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned in my youth and am still learning today. It’s unfortunate that we so often have to fall face first on the black top to learn something. Thankfully God is always there to pick us up, dust us off and give us a little scolding and then a hug!
Floyd
Thursday, January 23, 2014 @ 4:52 pm
Well said, Caleb. Kinda sounds like you’ve been down there too! I’m not surprised… I think God calls the ones He’s designed strong and a bit on hard headed side to begin with. I like the hugs the best… Thanks, Caleb.
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 @ 2:13 pm
Oh man. I don’t do blood- can hardly watch a medical show on TV! The thought of your hands and knees makes me cringe! Anyway, I say thank God most of us live past adolescence to gain our brains back and some perspective. Praise God for those who will listen to wisdom at that age too! Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Thursday, January 23, 2014 @ 4:54 pm
The young ones who listen to the will of our Father always amaze me the most. We all have our spills and learn the hard way every now and then. I think I can recall a story of you and your brother that seems to tell the same story! Thanks, Jason.
Barb Raveling
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 @ 6:16 pm
Haha, that is so funny. It reminded me of my younger days when we used to play ding-dong-ditch. I still remember the “mean lady” in the neighborhood who use to yell at us when we rang her doorbell and ran. 🙂 I guess we deserved it. 🙂 Oh, to be a child again!
Floyd
Thursday, January 23, 2014 @ 5:19 pm
Some of the people’s doors we rang we shouldn’t have… They would have been merciless if they’d a caught us… That’s how we learned to run fast! Oh the memories. Why am I not surprised that you were a ring and runner?! Good stuff! Thanks, Barb. Love the memories!
Dolly@Soulstops
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 @ 9:34 pm
Floyd,
Nice teaser in the beginning then the wrap up at the end…”hamburger”= ouch…
Floyd
Thursday, January 23, 2014 @ 5:20 pm
Thanks, Dolly. Funny how it makes it easier to write when the memories are so vivid!
Loren Pinilis
Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 3:12 pm
I really enjoy these posts from your youth. We would have probably gotten in a lot of trouble together. I’m quite fortunate that many of my stupid decisions didn’t have really horrible consequences. God shielded me from a lot.
Floyd
Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 10:05 pm
I appreciate your honesty, Loren. Yeah, we’d have gotten in big time trouble! Proof of angels in our rebellious lives! Thanks, Loren.