My earliest recollection of my relationships with members of the opposite sex would make most boys, who have an interest in girls, green with envy. Little did I know, however, that most of my irresistible charm would play out by the third grade. In telling this story, as Sgt. Joe Friday used to say on "Dragnet", the names have been changed to protect the innocent. I will go one step further, by not mentioning the names to protect the privacy of the participants.
Suffice it to say I was quite a ladies man in my early youth, which was roughly years 4 through 8. I remember playing under the dining room table at my grandparent's house where I lived. This was a large table with a low hanging tablecloth. My playmate stole a kiss from me right under our parent's noses. I was not real enthused. I was more interested in playing a hiding game while exploring the underworld that grownups seldom see. Little did I know that my playmate had other intentions.
I remember school in the first, second, and third grades. It was tough going with so many admirers. I remember one day when I was in the first grade. I was playing on the playground. It was there that several girls, who fell under my spell, tore my shirt to tattered shreds. Even at that early age "Old Lightning" was too slow to get away from his admirers. Unlike most mortals, I kind of know what "Elvis" and "The Beatles" had to deal with.
Remember the contests that they had at the school to select the King and Queen? I won the contest for King of the Wallins School in both the first and third grade. If you remember, the contest was to see who got the most money in contributions. When the money was counted, I discovered that I had won. It must have been the legions of admiring girls that put me over the top.
But alas, fame is fleeting. All good things must come to an end. Most boys go through the early years with only a passing interest in girls. Girls on the other hand, have an interest in boys from early on it seems. Whoever said that God does not have a sense of humor? Just about the time that hormones kick in with boys, and their interest level in girls start to climb, the girls get oh so selective. This is some kind of weird payback. My advice for all little boys is to be kind to all little girls. You heard me right. I said "all". You remember that little girl that you thought was so ugly. No way. It can't be the same person. But it is! Treat them all with special kindness. It will pay dividends later on. Trust me.
You may also end up being the guy that all the girls consider as their friend. No guy who has girls on his mind wants to be regarded as a friend. This is so benign. It's like kissing your sister. No feeling involved. It is definitely a dilemma. It also can be contagious. Next thing you know, all the girls like you as a friend. It is very hard to change that perception in a small town.
You know, this whole boy likes girl, girl likes boy thing is a very awkward time. There is so much posturing that goes on. It can be the best of times, and also the worst of times. Girls mature much faster than boys. Sometimes they also grow faster. Nothing worse than to wake up one day and the girl you like is now taller than you. They are usually interested in the older guys as this takes place. This in turn causes you to concentrate on the younger girls. Something is not right with that. But yes, in the grand design or the great scheme of things, this is what makes the world go round.
There are a few positive things to say, however. You don't have to worry about leaving anyone behind when you strike out to seek your fortune. No commitments to hold you back. Nothing to tie you to your hometown. No excess baggage to carry with you. Just a clean start, with exciting possibilities. Funny how things work out for the best. Let the dating games begin.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28
