Craaaaaaaazy

People who have been in my office might have noticed that I occasionally keep out various desktop accoutrements that one might describe as “fidget toys.” I am a person who enjoys fidgeting. I enjoy moving my hands, popping, squishing, spinning, twisting, and all of the other wonderful ways that the world has concocted. We are in a renaissance of fidgety ephemera, which is alright by me.

But there is one particular fidget product that I have the strongest attachment to.

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty falls into the “squish” variety of fidgeters. It is, as advertised, an amorphous putty that comes in a round tin. It is sticky without being too sticky, it’s pliable without being too liquidy, it’s delicious without being high-calorie*. I have a tin of “Unicorn” thinking putty at home and a mini-tin of “Christmas Tree” in my office. The point I’m making is that it’s a quality product that I can personally vouch for.

But that’s not why I’m partial to it.

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is headquartered in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Norristown is close to the first church that I served at when I started in ministry full-time. This was back in the realm of 2014/15 and I was serving as the pastor for children, youth, and families. Every summer, as is the case with a lot of church youth groups, I would go out with some of the middle school kids and engage in some service opportunities in the area. One of those opportunities was at a day center for adults with disabilities. We went there every year to spend time with the guests of the day center, and every year it was a blast. I distinctly remember being given the honor of calling the bingo game. It was always a rewarding experience, and the kids always had a wonderful time getting to know the folks at the center and working together on crafts and games.

The center also provided employment opportunities for the guests. One of the opportunities that was provided in house was Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. The tins for the putty were manufactured nearby and the center was where the labels were affixed to the tins. I’m not great at the fiddly work of making sure that things look nice, especially when I have to put stickers in the exact right place. But putting labels on those tins was something that I’ll never forget. It felt like I was part of something bigger than me. It was a way to enter into relationship with people I would not have met. I went there each of my three years, and to see our friends every year was such a joy.

So I like Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. I like it because it is something that I like having around. But more importantly, I like it because it reminds me of a time of connection and relationship. It is an emotional marker of my very first years of professional ministry. I saw this massive display at the Museum of Play and it felt like stepping into something familiar and important.

I’m glad that Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is only gaining in popularity. I’m glad I get that reminder as frequently as I do.

Peace,

Jeff

*Please don’t eat it. Please don’t. It can’t be good for you.

** Sitting in front of my keyboard as I write this.

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If you've ever been surprised by the meaning tucked inside an everyday object, you're not alone. At Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church in Brighton, NY, we believe that connection and community often show up in the most unexpected places—even in a tin of Thinking Putty. Come be part of our community this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a meaningful time of worship and togetherness. All are welcome to join!