Shielding ourselves and each other

As I sat on the couch, the other day, I began scrolling through social media feeds. Keeping up on the newest current events, local happenings, and family affairs has become one of my guilty pleasures as of late. On this particular day, I embarked upon my normal routine, stopping briefly at some sites and passing by others. Simply put, I was wasting time. After a short time, Riyann, my youngest daughter, sat alongside me, sneaking a peak at the device firmly affixed to my hand.

With each swipe of my hand, I could see Riyann’s eyes following along. As the posts and pictures rapidly crossed my screen and quickly fell from view, indicating the lack of importance each post bore, Riyann followed along. I paused as a series of photographs entered my view. As I attempted to recognize the faces of the trio who were floating in the river, I noticed Riyann’s hand quickly move to the screen, shielding the photograph from view.

Shifting, I looked at Riyann and inquired as to why she was covering up the photograph. She then, in a loud voice, explained that I had no business looking at girls in bathing suites. With pure horror, I was thrust into preservation mode considering my wife heard the comment and shifted her attention in my direction. The sad part was I truly hadn’t noticed the image Riyann so vehemently protected me from. Following a bit of explaining how I wasn’t checking out scantily clad visitors to our river, raised eyebrows from Momma, a little sweat on my brow, and concern for my personal welfare, my beautiful wife continued her path and forgot about Riy’s words and Riy and I continued scrolling.

Looking back, it’s easy to think about the small act of Riyann’s attempting to protect me...or maybe enhance her excitement by seeing Momma get onto Daddy and see all the possible negatives which are present. What is more difficult is the understanding that in life we truly can benefit from someone looking out for us. So often we give little regard to the things we see and experience daily, giving very little credence to the potential ramifications of our actions. Having a friend shield us or being a shield for a friend against potential stumbling blocks will undoubtedly provide for a purer existence and much smoother transitions in life. Be a shield my friends. Protect your loved ones from the possible dangers out there, even if they aren’t that dangerous.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from 9 to 29.