Once upon a time there was an electronic game called Bop It, actually, it’s still around, it’s just much more complicated. It’s kind of a hot potato game where you follow instructions (bop it, pull it, twist it, etc.) and pass the game on, originally there were only three instructions, now there are like sixteen different chirpy electronic instructions.
This is my Bop It story.
It’s not pretty.
It’s not really family friendly.
You’ve been warned…
Years ago, I was flying home after speaking at a youth event in southern Louisiana. I had taken my bop-it game to use as an icebreaker.
I put my ratty little carry-on bag through security in New Orleans. Suddenly, I saw the tall, sweaty TSA agent nervously looking at me and calling for a bag check. I’m used to getting patted down at airport security because I look a little freaky, I had a weird beard. But, this was a new level of suspicion. Then I realized what was happening. I remembered the bop-it. It really did resemble a weapon of mass destruction. So I reassured him it was a mostly harmless toy. After 6 agents opened the bag I showed them how it worked and we all ended up playing for about 10 minutes. Finally, once the line was really backed up they let me take my toy and leave.
At this point, I REALLY need to go to the bathroom, so I darted into the friendly airport facilities. It was a full house, the only thing open was a urinal, which I normally don’t use because I’m 5’1” tall and most urinals come up to my chest…which is not cool, man!
BUT…as I mentioned I REALLY needed to go, so I hunkered up to a urinal and put my bag on the ground between my feet (probably not a hygienically wise decision, but whatever.) I went about my business…
A well dressed businessman started using the stall next to me. We were following all the necessary man bathroom rules: no talking, no eye contact, etc.
BUT THEN…
at that very moment, for some God forsaken reason my bop-it went off and said in a chirpy voice…
“BOP IT, PULL IT, TWIST IT!”
The businessman didn’t even finish, zip up, or wash his hands, he just turned and ran from the bathroom.
Other men looked at me with disgust and caution.
I picked up my bag and sheepishly walked out not knowing what to expect right outside the bathroom door.
Would I be arrested?
I sheepishly boarded the plane and flew home.
I felt very fortunate to escape Louisiana without a restraining order.
Sometimes, when you least expect it, life goes off.
Things get noisy at the worst times.
The unexpected bops you upside the head.
The unknown pulls you in a hundred different directions at once.
The unwanted twists you like a cheap piece of saltwater taffy.
It leaves you scared to go outside.
What do you do when life is like an out of control electronic game?
Know when to hand it off!
There is just so much of life that we can’t handle on our own…pass it off…lay it down.
Put it in the hands that are bigger and stronger and wiser.
Cast your cares on the one who is crazy about you.
carbonated joy 