Hide and Seek

For a child, there exists an unmatchable thrill in the game of hide and seek. The importance of counting instills a noble feeling of leadership, as one child is assigned to find the rest. The suspense of waiting to be found causes stomach pangs and weak bladders. As a child waits behind couches, in closets, under beds and in bath tubs, something very interesting occurs in their mind. As if time stops completely there is a suspension of conversation, eating and interacting all together with the outside world.

In the closet, the child lingers in a hovering cloud of eagerness; a still non-ticking stop watch. Some children wait in utter silence, in hopes theirs is the final discovery. Others can’t control the peeping and laughing tones that lead the seeker to their spot first.  Upon being found, some children keep their allies where-bout's top secret, while others run swiftly to rat out their enemies.

Each seeker, likewise, has a distinct method of searching. There lurks the stealthy tip-toeing cynic who wants to be equally as secretive as those choosing to hide. There beams the loud, obvious presence who announces exactly where their eyes have been and what they found, or didn’t find. There flinches the nervous jumpy cricket who begs the others to reveal themselves, feeling at a disadvantage being the only one out in the open.

Both parties remain essential, and all styles of participation allow for a different experience each time played. But what, in this distinct thrill of invisibility and revelation, shoots every hand upward when asked the question “who wants to play hide and seek?”

In truth, the simple mind of a child understands the charm of waiting and the electrifying bliss of being found. The splendor of those five eternal minutes where no other thought exists but the delight of what’s to come. The child experiences what it feels like to be a gift; to be wrapped up, hidden, undisclosed, and awaiting the lid to be removed from their individualized jar; a feeling of unparalleled importance and intrinsic beauty combined.

In truth, the simple mind of a child understands their identity in the eyes of their creator. Unmatched remains the exuberant joy upon the unveiling of our shaded souls, when His stealthy omniscient hands draw back the curtains of self secrecy to disclose the window of light behind. The moment if unearthing, where afore hidden eyes light with tickling excitement standing face to face with their seeker. 

Oh glorious pursuit, what flawless simplicity evinces when concealment's veil falls downward at the hands of barefaced truth. May we wait with the wonder of a child, and gratefully gaze upon our merciful discoverer.