It was the perfect plan…

I was getting to ride the bus home with Jeff. He lived just a few houses away from the girl of my dreams.

We would meet her and her friend at the park, I would make my move and she would fall in love with me.

We’d be “going out” by dinner.

The stage was set for my sixth grade romantic rendezvous to become reality.

As I walked to the park with Jeff I asked him, “What did she say about me again?”

He responded, “That she knows who you are.”

Perfect.

When the two girls arrived I went straight to my best move… I was on the monkey bars doing the eggbeater.

How could any girl refuse a man who could do the eggbeater with such power and grace?

She walked towards me smiling… (I remember the look on her face as if it happened yesterday).

Then, without saying a word…

…She pantsed me!

Yeah. Straight down to my ankles.

It was horrible.

It was the perfect playground pantsing.

I immediately jumped down and pulled up my pants to hide my whitey tighties (and shame).

How could this have happened? The girl of my dreams had become a nightmare.

Needless to say we never “went out.”

_________

The Playground Pantsing reminds me of what happens every now again in life.

For lack of a better illustration, sometimes life happens, and for no good reason you get pantsed.

Pantsed can be any number of things, but basically I’m talking about unforeseen circumstances showing up in your life.

You lose your job. A family member falls ill. You suffer through a nasty breakup.

Being pantsed exposes what you’re wearing underneath. For me, thankfully (I think) this meant whitey tighties for the whole playground to see.

So here’s a question. When life happens and you’re dealt a tough hand, what will others see?

• Bitterness
• Anger
• Rage
• Past hurts
• Immaturity
• Jealousy

 

I think you get the picture. Life happens. You get pantsed. It reveals what’s already happening in your life.

I’m grateful we serve a God who helps us and empowers us with inner strength.

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” (Ephesians 3.16-17, NLT)

So next time a tough situation comes your way hopefully people will see the hope you have in Him.

He’s working in you. You’re stronger than you know; let Him be your strength today.