OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER
I knew that biting sting in an instant. To be clear, I liked inflicting that pain way more than I liked receiving it. There’s something magical about those little rubber demons, they tend to make people, especially kids, do things they wouldn’t do without the mountainous temptation. Even as an adult it takes every fiber of my will power to resist the almost irresistible lure of misusing the simple invention.
I can’t remember how old I was when I learned to use – make that misuse, what would become one of my favorite toys as a kid. With big brothers, it’s almost natural to learn the improper way of things. The specific use of the little pain inflictors was irrelevant. It was the gratification and glee of a well timed and aimed shot that reigned supreme.
I’m not sure if it would be considered a blessing or a curse, but the fact that my older brothers had paper routes meant an endless supply of ammunition for our battle that we lovingly referred to as a “Rubber Band Fight.” I can remember having to be wrestled to the ground and stripped of my ammunition by my brothers at different times to end the battle.
On occasion I’d get up with my brothers in the pre-dawn hours to fold the newspapers and wrap them in tight rolls and slip the not so fun rubber band around one end then twist it to double up the rubber band, making the paper hold tight to be able to be tossed like a hand grenade at the darkened driveways.
After loading the bright orange paper route bags and harnessing them around my brother’s handlebars, I’d hop on top for the early morning outing. I’d get to throw a few papers for my trouble, but usually be benched after a few bad tosses… flower beds, roofs… Who says it’s hard to laugh in the early morning hours?
The big payoff was hot chocolate with marshmallows at the bowling alley after the papers were delivered while the sun was still snoring. While I liked the hot chocolate and throwing the papers hard and far, the job the rubber bands were designed to do didn’t bring me nearly as much gratification as using them for ill intent.
It seems to be like that with most things in life; all good things designed and intended for a good and honorable task can be used, or misused to bring about gratification of our flesh that doesn’t bring honor. The list is endless; food, shelter, vehicles, even a pen and paper.
There is evil in this world and it is the easiest thing to do. Our gratification is measured in time and discipline with a proper heart as we navigate the narrow path of righteousness. Every time I pull a rubber band off a set of blueprints, the old habit bids me seek a live target… I have to remind myself of that fact…
With a tired smile of wisdom… and memories…old enough to know better.
Amy Nabors
Saturday, May 4, 2013 @ 6:45 pm
This applies to so many things. It reminds me of just recently when someone’s attitude became judgmental about a few things and trying to remind them without showing my frustration that just because someone misuses something doesn’t mean it is bad.
Floyd
Sunday, May 5, 2013 @ 12:00 pm
Well said, Amy. It is the user usually, not the object. God made so many things perfect, like music and art for example, and in the hands of the fallen it takes a turn for the worse… and all of us are prone to wander, just in our own weaknesses. Good for you to keep a hold on your frustration, that is a challenge for me as well… I’m sure I do my own share of frustrating others in different ways! Thanks, Amy. It’s good to hear from you.
Audra Krell
Sunday, May 5, 2013 @ 5:19 pm
I love the description and memories you have about helping your brother. And look, you were creative and made your own toys for free! Your parents just had to love that! Ah but we are all prone to wander, as you said. If it hadn’t been for the rubber bands, I daresay you would have found something else to wreak havoc with!
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 7:01 am
Okay, you got me! We do tend to wander. It’s so easy to take the gifts from God and use them in ill intended ways… like rubber bands! Thanks, Audra.
Dan Black
Sunday, May 5, 2013 @ 9:04 pm
Powerful sentence:”Our gratification is measured in time and discipline with a proper heart as we navigate the narrow path of righteousness.” We have to protect our hearts and thoughts, making sure God is in control of our life. Great post!
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 7:01 am
I agree, Dan. Well said, thanks.
Dan Black
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 @ 4:34 pm
Thank you:) Keep writing great posts my friend.
Floyd
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 @ 5:11 pm
Thanks, Dan. I’ll be trying. Don’t know if I can pull it off all the time, but by gosh I’m trying! Thanks for the encouragement, Dan.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, May 5, 2013 @ 10:31 pm
Kids will find most anything to entertain themselves with even a rubber band that costs them nothing. Except for a sting, there seemed not much harm in your fights, unless they hit an eye then it would be bad. I had a cousin who lost the signt in one eye over a stick fight. He had brothers big and small and they all “loved one another.” As kids we didn’t have many toys, like the kids of today. I noticed a couple kids in the Dr’s office the other day, each had their own gaget and were entertained for a couple hours playing some sort of hand held game. When we were young, we girls did a lot of make believe with dolls.
Thank you for sharing this post at “Tell Me a Story.”
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 7:04 am
You bring up a great point, Hazel. The imagination is developed in kids with almost nothing. I’ve really come to believe that in this regard, as in most, less is more. Well said, and thanks for letting me share this at your site!
Voni Harris
Sunday, May 5, 2013 @ 10:43 pm
Boy, that last line is sure true…even after we know better and determine to do better, the habit of doing wrong still makes it hard to resist temptation. Good thoughts, Floyd!
Voni Harris
Sunday, May 5, 2013 @ 10:44 pm
LOL (I meant the second to last sentence.)
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 7:05 am
I got it. But I’ll bet you still smile!
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 7:05 am
Thanks, Voni. It is a funny thing how the weaknesses still rear their ugly heads…
Mia
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 2:52 am
Dear Floyd
This problem seems to be universal!!! I grew up with four brothers and I know the mischief they get into. It was either joining them in their boy thingies or be the victim! So, of course I chose the first. Floyd, this is so true. Even the Bible can become an idol that we can use in the place of our Lord. I was just telling my husband yesterday how the Roman Catholics rightly told the Protestanrs after the Reformation, that they have just replaced the Pope with the Bible. When we are guilty of Bibliolatry, we are using the written words of our Pappa to replace the living Word. Please, just know that I love the Bible, but this is the only book ever written you need to know the Author to understand.
Blessings and love
Mia
P.S. Floyd have you ever read the blog of Michael Clarke ( A Wilderness. Voice.)? I think you would like it very much.
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 7:07 am
Great point, Mia. It truly is a matter of the heart, even when it belongs to God. Very good point and wise words. Thanks, Mia, and I’ll check out Michael’s site.
Jillie
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 7:34 am
Hey Floyd!!! Don’t ‘ya know you can put an eye out with one of those things??? At least, that’s what my mother used to say…repeatedly.
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 4:52 pm
Yeah, I heard that more than once too! But you know, some temptations are just too great and worth the risk! At least at that age… Thanks, Jillie.
tcavey
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 8:12 am
I remember some rubber band fights growing up 🙂
I’m not looking forward to my son learning about them.
So true, all things can be either used for good or evil. With our mouth we can build others up or tear them down. We can use our time to serve others or to be served. The list is endless.
Thought provoking post.
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 4:53 pm
Thanks, TC. All things can be used for good or evil… it’s not the object, but our heart and perspective. Well said. Probably done more than my share of tearing down…
David
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 8:35 am
I grew up with 2 older brothers who both had paper routes, I never had one. We had so many kids in our neighborhood and the surrounding one’s that it was actually kind of tough to get a paper route. Besides misusing rubber bands, we misused pillows and rolled up towels with wet tips – all the better to make welts with. Now my younger son wants to have towel fights with dad – he would lose oh so bad – but as Dad, I don’t want to inflict that kind of pain on my son, that job falls to brothers and friends, and I’m just wise enough to know that he’ll get in a few lucky shots as he gets better at towel fights, and frankly, I don’t want any more welts!
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 4:56 pm
Oh man! Did that bring back memories! We walked the same path, David. I never had a paper route either, but we did have pillow fights and wet-tipped-wound-tight-towel-fights at the drop of a hat. I’m like you, I only have daughters so I was all about the protection as well. Great comment, David! I’m once again headed down memory lane…
Lisa notes
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 10:14 am
This makes me smile. 🙂 I’ve never been very good with a rubber band, but I have made a good target from time to time.
Good point that we can use most anything for good or for evil. God leaves the choice up to us. We see and hear of this so often with the internet: a great tool for good or a vicious tool for evil (or a little or lot of both). Praying for grace to make wise decisions.
Floyd
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 4:58 pm
I like the way you summed that up, Lisa. And the prayer for wisdom… The best of gifts from our Father can be used for all the wrong reasons… and too often we justify ours. Thanks, Lisa. Well said.
Jason Stasyszen
Monday, May 6, 2013 @ 5:07 pm
I’ve thought about this quite a lot and come to the same conclusion. The same internet that gives news of the world or helps study the Bible can be used as a portal to pornography. It’s up to the user to make the right decision and even that can be attributed to God’s grace keeping and transforming us. So many things have noble purposes but end up being used to harm. It’s our mission as Christians to redeem. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. In Him, we can do it too. Great stuff, Floyd. Thanks.
Floyd
Saturday, May 11, 2013 @ 9:41 am
Well said, Jason. Funny, having our guard up is the key. I’m not sure when you sent this, but the words you used I’ve set up to go straight to spam. Exactly what you’re speaking to. All of God’s creation is honorable… it’s us; the fallen human race that corrupts and it is His power in us that allows us to live that honorable life… and His grace that picks us up and dusts us off when we fall. Thanks, Jason.
Dan Erickson
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @ 5:39 am
I still occasionally wrap rubber bands around my pinky to my forefinger on one hand and shoot them like a gun. It helps to keep me young. It’s fun. But I don’t shoot the at other people. Strictly target practice.
Floyd
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @ 6:12 pm
Oh yeah. I know that style. It is fun isn’t it? Sometimes it’s all I can do to keep from shooting my dog Larry… I don’t… but he does pee in the house… soooooooo. You know. I think that counts as self control… Thanks, Dan!
Dan Erickson
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @ 9:31 pm
You just topped off my day. I got a great laugh. Thanks Floyd!
Floyd
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 @ 10:23 am
Thanks, Dan. It’s good to laugh and easier now that Larry has to wear a diaper while he’s in the house!
Nancy
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @ 10:47 am
“There is evil in this world and it is the easiest thing to do. Our gratification is measured in time and discipline with a proper heart as we navigate the narrow path of righteousness.” I loved this summary! I loved my sling shot ( I still have one – only bigger and better, LOL!) and my pea shooter. Sure got in trouble with that one.
All things being considered, I guess that’s why God continually reminds us to RENEW our minds to God’s way of thinking and acting, because we might be tempted to indulge in what might once have been a weakness. The Word sorts it out for us! For instance, I’m never temped to steal anything, but I could be sarcastic if the opportunity presented itself. It might seem funny tome, but may be hurtful to the person on which it was used. Like the sting of a rubberband! Thanks for the fun read!
Floyd
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @ 6:15 pm
You laid that out perfectly, Nancy. A weakness is a weakness and once our nail bends in one spot it always tends to after that. I wouldn’t be messin’ round your neck of the woods! I don’t want to get shot with what I presume is probably a wrist rocket… I had one of those too… I just forgot about it! Thanks, Nancy.
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 @ 8:32 pm
I remember so many of these things. Life is life … all over again. Even when we/I ain’t young ‘uns any more, these bits and pieces of the past still keep moving us along… OR movin’ us backwards. Whatever…
Floyd
Thursday, May 9, 2013 @ 6:01 pm
I’m all good until I have a rubber band in my hand! Once I put it down I can move forward again… The flesh is indeed weak! Thanks, Joanne.