Are you familiar with the Transformers? You know, those robots in disguise? Long before the Transformers movie franchise, there was a cartoon version that captured the imagination of my son when he was only five or six. In the show, there were cars and trucks that transformed themselves into powerful robots to fight evil robots. One year his grandparents sent him some birthday money to buy a toy transformer. The toy was above his age, but really I thought, how hard can it be?
Pretty hard, actually. When I saw the lengthy instruction booklet, I immediately regretted buying the toy. Hesitantly, I handed the car to Chris and began to study each step, aware that there were now clicking noises in the room. There were numerous steps, with a twist this way and twist and turn that way, but definitely not a twist another way. I foresaw a broken toy in our future. Finally I finished reading and turned to Chris to show him how to transform his car into its alter ego robot, but he didn’t need any help. With a beaming smile he held the robot up to me, magically transformed by his little hands, and said, “like this Mama?” Humbled, I replied, “exactly like that.”
I learned a bit about transformation that day. Transformation involves risk and simply believing in our amazing abilities to adapt and change. Sometimes transformation is best served by putting aside the instructions and experimenting on our own. How many twists and turns will it take until we ourselves are transformed from the ordinary to extraordinary? Who knows? There are a lot of unknowns in transformation. Encouragingly, the potential for transformation exists in us all. There is so much more to each one of us than meets the eye.
~Lisa Kiel
Thank you, Lisa, for your great example of transformation, and the sometimes hidden power we possess to transform. I am inspired by your words to tackle each challenge with faith that I can figure out how to transform it.
Oh Lisa, this is so good! I love the way you wrote this reflection. I remember Transformers (child of the ’80’s of course). I like how you said we sometimes have to not go by the rules or instructions to find our way in life. I’m finding that to be absolutely true. Thank you.
It’s all about potential. I loved reading this as it reminded me of my son as well who is so good at tinkering and doing things with his hands. His mind is sharp but sometimes he doesn’t believe enough in himself to take a risk. Aren’t we all like that? Thanks for sharing this.
A great example of this month’s theme!
Deda from Jefferson Unitarian in Colorado.
This reminds me of my son. His transformation toy were Power Rangers. Those little hands could do a lot. Thank you, Lisa!!!