Understanding Playtime!

I think people from New England tend to be more serious minded, at least I know I tend to be that way. A lot of Christians as well look at life from the serious side. But, if “Joy is the serious business of heaven” as C S Lewis said, then it is definitely okay with God for us to enjoy life and leisure time. In fact, Psalm 104 tells us that God made animals whose purpose was to “frolic” or play around in the sea. Just think about all the amazing animals He created.

I recently learned that Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute of Play, states that “play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities. ‘Play deficit’ can be as detrimental to our health as ‘sleep deficit’.”  Who knew?!

Wow! I thought that it was sort of a waste of time. I like to have fun, yes, but I also like to feel productive every day. Now I know that doing something creative, fun, and relaxing is important for my overall wellbeing! This is great news! We can all take a step back and rethink our spare time. We can become more intentional about ways to spend our time and energy. We can carve out more relaxing fun times and stop majoring in things that are really minor in the overall scheme of life. God is okay with this! Wonderful news!

There are so many activities we can explore and enjoy. Are you into arts and crafts, music, recreational activities, birdwatching, astronomy, hiking, or travel? Endless possibilities of ways to relax and have fun. Be creative!

God has given us life to enjoy and created so many things for us to explore. Yet we really understand so little of His creation and His design for our lives.

Job talks about God’s creation and the wonders of the heavens, the earth, and the seas. He says in Job 26:14, “And these are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”

I have to agree that we really hear, see, and understand so little of all that God has created and intended for us to enjoy and know of His awesome power. I need a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective towards how I spend my time in general!

How about you?  What is your “go to” relaxing, fun activity?

Do you get so focused on work that it is hard to step away?