Nurture Yourself; For the Sheer Fun of It
- Adventure Begins
- Aug 24, 2020
- 2 min read
The bell rang, the door flew open and we ran out to the school playground rushing to be the first one on the play equipment. Then it was non-stop running, climbing, swinging and playing until the teacher blew the whistle and we had to line up and head back into the building. Remember those days?
Kids look forward to play time, they learn skills through play. Whether it's a child or adult, it should be done for no reason at all. It’s done for its own sake. Play renews us in mind and body; it bonds us with others as we share common experiences. However, in our ‘hurry to get to the destination’ culture, if it doesn’t have an end goal or monetized value, it's viewed as not worth doing. We have professional sports teams, and by their very nature, the ‘players’ aren’t playing. They are highly paid workers doing a job. There is a lack of real play in our lives.
What about doing something for the sheer fun or joy of it? One hot summer afternoon, a beefy storm whipped up over the lake sending water spray 20’ in the air and tree limbs down everywhere. As I stood at the window witnessing the strength of the storm, I noticed a group of tree swallows darting into the wind with abandon. They were like surfers who swam out into the ocean to experience the ferocity of extra high waves during a storm. They simply wanted to play in the wildness of nature.
Years ago, after the worst of a sudden rain storm passed, I was inspired to go outdoors. I looked at my daughter and said, “Take off your shoes, let’s go out there!” She was surprised. We charged out the door and ran splashing barefoot in the stream of water flowing down the street having a spontaneous, fun experience. More recently, my six year old granddaughter face-timed me in these Covid shelter-in-place days. We played via face-time in her home-made tent, complete with unicorns.
When was the last time you played?
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
Psalm 92:4 (ESV)
But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy! Psalm 68:3 (ESV)
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.
Zechariah 8:5 (ESV)
Thanks for stopping by; now go out and play!
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