This is one of my favorite photos of myself – there I am, gleefully sticking my tongue out while marching in my community’s Fourth of July parade, decked out in my Girl Scout uniform, complete with white 
gloves (and, ummmm, lacking achievement badges of any kind). I didn’t mean to disrespect Uncle Sam or the Scouts… nor my father, who took the photo. I was just being myself, hoping to evoke a laugh or a smile.
My silly Girl Scout face was my 10-year-old way at that time to forge a meaningful connection with these important authority figures in my life – my country, my community, and probably even my father. “Meaningful” to me starts with an invitation to collaboration. “Come play with me,” is the best relationship starter I can think of. Always has been.
For some, reverence looks somber. For me – and I am really just now discovering this – reverence can look giddy, goofy, joyful, messy and… irreverent.
I am taking big risks these days in trusting the Divine – I intend to shift my relationship with Spirit by inviting God/Goddess to play with me more. To frolic, to romp on the lawn and get grass stains on our clothes. To throw snowballs at each other and tell naughty jokes around the campfire. To play music at full decibel from our eclectic CD collection. To giggle in church and yell fervently at the football game on TV. To weep at Olympic victories and tragic occurrences. I invite the Divine in closer – to be no longer kept at a reverent, respectful distance.
With my irreverent form of reverence, I risk odd stares from my traditionally religious friends. I risk screwing it all up and going to Hell, I guess (except I don’t believe in Hell. Never have. So there.)
Mostly I risk bringing the Divine Spirit more into my heart and living from a magical, wondrous realm of playful love. With that, I risk new uncharted territory ahead… who knows what will unfold? (I think this is where trust and faith come in.)
Dear Holy Spirit, please come play with me. Stick your tongue out at me and we will giggle and change the world. Starting right now.
Martha Carnahan coaches entrepreneurs, leaders and marketers in the professional services world. She has noticed that taking risks, whether bold and scary or seemingly small (and easy to avoid) creates a fresh awareness of the joy, audacity and quiet reverence of a full-spectrum life. Its not just about doing more stuff its about hanging out more in the sweet spot of life. Visit Martha's website.
Email this author | All posts by Martha Carnahan
Thanks for the reminder, Martha. I’ve been too staid for my own good. Recently I took a big risk and auditioned for Rent. I like the word audition, it reminds me of audacity. (Didn’t get the part, but felt so f’ing alive before, during and after my solo!!!)
I LOVE this, Martha and I love the picture of you as a cute, funny little girl. I’m so glad your dad took this picture and, if you invite me, I’d like to come along on your playful recreation with the Divine.
How funny and I am sure someone laughed and if they did it was worth it. We need more laughs especially in todays’ world. thx.
I love your spirit! What a thppppmmmmthpp (sound of tongue sticking out) inspiration you are! Here’s to the dance!
OMG, Martha. My mother has the same picture of me! Except it was 1976 and I was dressed up as Laura Ingalls Wilder (our whole troop was!)
You know, Webster says ‘reverent’ is honor or respect felt or shown. Doesn’t say anything about how you’re s’posed to feel or show it.
You might risk some odd stares, but like you, I don’t believe in Hell – at least not as a place we go when we die – so no worries risking that!
But then, some odd stares are a pretty small price to pay for letting the Divine in closer and changing the world.
Andrew! I just caught this, that you auditioned for Rent. AWESOME! I can so see you as Roger — is that the part you tried out for? Congrats on taking that risk, very inspiring!