PLAY

My husband Caleb is one of the most fun people I've ever met. He makes me laugh until my stomach hurts and I can be my weirdest self with him. Yes, he is very grown up and responsible but more than anything he knows how to have fun! I’m seriously convinced that deep down he’s a nine year old boy. 

For example, this past week we went roller skating with some of our youth and he seriously ROCKED. As I was struggling to get going he came whipping past me like a pro. He’s just so fun. He’s a twenty three year old man who proudly owns Heely’s and wears them like everyday. He’s a pro at any skate board you give him and watching him jam out to a song is super enjoyable.

I’m bragging on Caleb’s funness (pretty sure that isn't a word) because I think we have forgotten the importance of play. With my personality type I very quickly get “in my feelings”. I overanalyze, overthink, and at times take myself way too seriously. Caleb often has to snap me out of my mood by making me repeat weird, obnoxious sounds he comes up with. Or cranking up music and making me dance with him. If you couldn't tell already, he’s the life of the party.

You might be reading this thinking play is a waste of time or not necessary. Play is actually extremely beneficial for adults. I did a little research and found some benefits of play: “While play is crucial for a child’s development, it is also beneficial for people of all ages. Play can add joy to life, relieve stress, supercharge learning, and connect you to others and the world around you. Play can also make work more productive and pleasurable.”

Play is important not only for mental health, but spiritual health as well. A characteristic of God that I think we often overlook is how playful He is! Some might think this idea immature or disrespectful, but I see it as just the opposite. 

I don’t call God playful to make light of the Almighty Creator. I call Him playful because it is such a big part of His character. Just look around you! The animals that roam the earth tend to do some hilarious things (just pull up a funny cat video on YouTube and you'll see what I'm talking about).

The same God that formed the heavens and the earth is the same God who created laughter, the beach, music, dancing, etc. You could go on and on listing out all the ways God is playful. God is the most fun. 

I’ve been having to wrestle with a lot of fear and anxiety lately. Fear of the future, anxiety about the call God has given Caleb and I, just a lot of stuff I’m in my head about. I’m so grateful to have a partner that reminds me to lighten up and stop stressing about things that haven't even happened yet! 

I’m even more grateful that the Lord is not a cold, religious being. He is tender, gentle, playful, and loving. 

He doesn't want us to always be contemplating serious things. He loves to see His children smile. He wants us to go outside and enjoy the earth He so beautifully designed. He wants us to enjoy a meal together and laugh until we cry. He loves seeing us dance and jump for joy! He delights in us! 

I encourage you to create space for play in your daily life. Whether that be playing with your kids, going for a walk, or dancing in your kitchen, make it a priority. As we learn from the Bible there is a time for everything. That time includes laughter and dancing! Do not let the heavy burdens of life cloud your vision from the playfulness of God. The Lord has given us laughter as a gift! I like to think every time we laugh we get the tiniest glimpse of the joy we will one day experience when we meet Him again.