Wednesday, May 12, 2010

playing with poseidon

S2 asked for help because he wanted to enter a LEGO® contest. The object is to build something based on a scenario and then submit a picture of it. This one is a robot with a trident and some other tool in his right hand. Somehow or other, this thing helps police catch thieves in their getaway cars.

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I asked a few questions and tried to coach him in such a way that he ended up with his own concept, and promised I would help him take pictures. Hopefully, they are not looking for pro stuff or expert photos.

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He really, really wants to win this thing, but I don't want him to hang all his hopes on the company's prize. If he is too fixed on that prize, he misses out on so much. Don't get me wrong; I want him to try to win, but not at the expense of missing out on the rest of the experience. I told him to enter, and even come up with multiple entries if that is allowed. I'll keep taking pictures and we can have fun together so that he finds a way to play like a winner, regardless of the outcome.

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This idea of living in the moment is what a former pastor referred to as having the mindset of a "sojourner" versus "settler." It is not always easy to be fully engaged in the here and now, especially when a fixation with the destination consumes our vision. I hope he can learn this lesson.

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(thinking) A trident for a robot?? He really likes that Greek Mythology game on the computer!

15 comments:

donsands said...

Lessons we need to learn in life as Christians vary in different degrees for the different personalities God has given us. If that makes sense.

Though we all need to live by faith in Christ, and obey His principles as given to us in His Word.

I like the Lego Robot.

My grandsons are big on Legos. They love them. And they have beau-coup legos, let me tell you.

Your grand kids, BTW, are awesome!

Gaelyn said...

Craver, your son will learn to live in the now and always be a winner as long as you set that example. I'm thinking you do. And how fun for him to enter a contest doing something both of you enjoy. Cool Legos Poseidon. Hope you'll share more of his creations.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Craver: That is a cool shot of the robot. I think having fun is most important.

Craver Vii said...

Every once in a while Sandman, I'll sit with him and construct something myself. He has gotten much better than me though.


Actually Gaelyn, I'm hoping that he will start taking pics of his own creations. He has his own camera now, and I can show him how to simplify the background and try different things with the light.

Right. Having fun IS winning, Fishing Guy.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

What a great project for you to help him with but there is no BUG in the picture? LOL!! Or at least it can be like Hercules holding up the world? LOL!! I used to love playing with my son's Lego even more than he did. :)

George said...

I really like the Lego Poseidon and hope both you and your son have fun as the project progresses. I also like lesson you are teaching him. I hope he gets it.

happyone said...

I think you are teaching a very important lesson.
He did a great job, whether he wins or not!!
I still hope he wins though! :-)

imac said...

Its amazing what you can build with lego these days .lol.

EG CameraGirl said...

Hmmm. Seems to me that's a lesson most of us need to learn. If he does, he'll be much more mature than the majority of adults. :)

I wish him luck!

Shammickite said...

My boys loved Lego as kids... not a day went by without the box of Lego being emptied onto the carpet. I'm sure lots of the teeny tiny pieces got sucked in by the vacuum cleaner. I still have all that original Lego, supplemented now by more Lego from the second hand store, waiting for Callum and Isaac to get old enough.

Craver Vii said...

Good observation Joan. It has been too long since I submitted a decent bug photograph. This new camera does not show a preview on the screen, like my old camera did. I should charge up that old camera and go bug hunting soon!

George, I encouraged my boy to continue doing the same thing, but also suggesting that he take some pics himself. Maybe we can do some of that this weekend.

Happyone, this is a difficult lesson to embrace, because we constantly hear that winning is THE goal. Maintaining and enhancing my children's self esteem is a work in progress.

Craver Vii said...

You know what I wish right now Imac? I wish there was a Lego replacement I could put in my knees. They're really bothering me these days.

So true, EG. I do not raise him just to be a good boy. The goal is to make a good man out of him.

Well the vacuum cleaner may be bad for little Lego pieces Shammy, but it is delightfully efficient for scaring the cat. Many happy days of Lego playing to your beloved Callum and Isaac.

DeniseinVA said...

A great way to spend time with your son, and to turn it into a learning experience while having a whole lot of fun together. Wonderful! You're a great daddy :) I remember the Lego days with great fondness. I'm with you on the Lego knee replacement ;)

mommanator said...

nifty, looks as described!
my grands can sit with legos for hours especially the oldest one!

lime said...

oh, one of my limelets is the type to always be looking ahead so much she misses the joy of the present. this can be such a hard lesson.

the robot is awfully clever though. :)