MOON-CATCHIN’ NET
I’ve made me a moon-catchin’ net,
And I’m goin’ huntin’ tonight,
I’ll run along swingin’ it over my head,
And grab for that big ball of light.
So tomorrow just look at the sky,
And if there’s no moon you can bet
I’ve found what I sought and I finally caught
The moon in my moon-catchin’ net.
But if the moon’s still shinin’ there,
Look close underneath and you’ll get
A clear look at me in the sky swingin’ free
With a star in my moon-catchin’ net.
~~ Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein is one of my favorite children’s authors. I especially am fond of Moon-Catchin’ Net. I can just imagine the confidence, energy, and, spirit of the child swinging through the air with the night breeze against his face.
Where does the energy and optimism go? As children we tend to feel like the sky, or stars or even the moon is the limit but many times as adults we are more concerned about what is realistic and prudent.
When I was young I spent much time with my great Aunt Pearl. She was an amazing woman, full of life and true encourager.
I spent hours talking to her when I was young. One of my favorite spots to sit and visit was on a yellow metal step stool next to the stove. She would cook and we would chat. Well to be honest I chatted and she was an excellent listener. She was incredibly attentive. One day I told her that I wanted to be a ballerina. On another occasion I informed Aunt Pearl that I would someday be the Queen of England.
She could have taken the opportunity to remind me that I had no rhythm and usually could not make it across the room without tripping over my own feet or that I had never traveled to England let alone been classified as royalty. She just smiled and told me I would be the most beautiful ballerina and the most amazing queen ever. She also took the opportunity to let me know that God loved me very much and that she prayed for me. These were powerful words that gave me tremendous hope.
A little encouragement goes a long way. I am now grown with a family of my own and I still think of her and smile.
So today as we look around and wonder who among us could use a little encouragement, maybe a better question would be, who couldn’t?
Just never know how far that smile and kind word with take them.
