Too Old?
I got to visit the Atlanta Brick Company this weekend. I’m not saying how many times I went. I am not revealing how long I stayed each time. And I’m sure not telling how much I spent!
But I am going to tell you this old lady had an absolutely wonderful time!
And just so you know, I am not too old to play with or enjoy LEGOS! I can even give you proof.
Many LEGO packages are labeled with age appropriate warnings. Through the years, I have purchased sets for grandkids starting with the Duplo farm or zoo sets. Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and other sets were gifts as they grew. I even bought knock-off brick sets that were Bible character based.
As I was expressing my embarrassment to the man at the checkout about being the oldest one in the building, he reminded me that many of the LEGO boxes are labeled for 4 to 99 year olds.
As I researched my topic to help justify my love of LEGOS, I was amazed to find articles by author and speaker Loretta Veney who actually trains people in LEGO play for the elderly – especially those with dementia. As a Certified LEGO®️ Serious Play®️ facilitator she has a wonderful story and mission. I intend to investigate this program more thoroughly. Just as music therapy has a positive impact on the elderly, I’m sure this system has many of the same benefits.
As a young woman, I was interested in ‘Learning through Play’- a concept I still believe in. ‘Wellness through Play’ with LEGOS is a new idea for me. Loretta’s program addresses the needs of the patients but also their families and the caregivers. Therapeutic play is real. Just as my mom found coloring calming, I hope I will be knee deep in LEGOS if I live to that ripe old age.
But I may not end up being calm exactly. More like ecstatically joyful!
If any of my readers happen to live in this area, it is worth the drive just to check out the place. You can tell from the picture that there are more than a few blocks to choose from. And that is just some of the loose pieces. It is an amazing place with staff members who love their work. Good thing I don’t live close. I’d get a job there. And never make a penny!
It’s a place for families. And kindred spirits. And me.
As a people watcher, I was also blessed to interact with the little people who were as intent on finding the perfect pieces as I was. Little Lena, pictured behind me, and her brother were so cute. Lena saw I was choosing what I call my ‘girl colored’ LEGOS and stood beside me tossing in extras.
Too much fun!
2 Corinthians 4:16 has a word of encouragement that may fit the LEGO themed therapy. ‘We are not discouraged. Even though our outer nature suffers decay, our inner nature is renewed day after day.’
Paul prayed for the Colossians and asked they would be ‘filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding’, that they would ‘walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.’
The famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon, had an interesting take on Colossians 1:11 that may apply. “‘Fruitful in every good work.’ Here is room and range enough – in ‘every good work.’ Have you the ability to preach the gospel? Preach it! Does a little child need comforting? Comfort it! Can you stand up and vindicate a glorious truth before thousands? Do it! Does a poor saint need a bit of dinner from your table? Send it to her. Let works of obedience, testimony, zeal, charity, piety, and philanthropy all be found in your life. Do not select big things as your special line, but glorify the Lord also in the littles – ‘fruitful in every good work.’”
It may even apply to finding someone to play LEGOS with. If so, this old lady is available most days of the week!
Blessings
Kara Beth
