lessons from a birthday party

So my youngest son turned 3 yesterday.
Per his request, we had a Lightning McQueen party.

Many friends and family members came,
bearing gifts that he was anxious to open.

He really liked getting into the gifts
he'd had his eye on for some time.

Meanwhile, a jury of his peers watched him.

After every present, they would gather around
closer to look at the present, then judge whether
or not it was a cool toy.

Then they'd leave and go back to their seats.
This process repeated after every gift was opened.
Watch. Crowd in. Evaluate. Return.

On one occasion the gift happened
to be buried in packing peanuts...

...as the jury gathered they took my son's cue
and decided to throw them in the air.

It was very festive.

I wonder about those times when we are excited
about something and feel the jury around us.
They press in... ready to pass their judgment.
Their words become our words.
Their feelings become our feelings.

I wonder about those times we we are excited
about something and feel the jury around us.
They press in... read to celebrate our joy.
Our words become their words.
Our feelings become their feelings.

I wonder...
when it's you opening the gift
which do you most feel?

I wonder...
when it's you as the jury
which are you most like?

Who is the loudest voice in your life?

And what difference does that make?