Oh, the wisdom of young babes … While helping in my church’s learning center one Sunday, I was sitting on the floor with a bunch of four-year-olds as the teacher began her lesson. Wanting to grab their attention quickly, she asked a question, “What do you think God wants us to do while we wait for Jesus to come back?” One little boy shot up his hand, as young tots do when they have THE answer and, without waiting to be called on, shouted out “PLAY!” The adults in the room tried to contain their laughter because that wasn’t exactly the answer we expected – but maybe it was just the answer we needed …
Later that same day after waking from a nap (because 4-year-olds!), I thought about the little boy’s answer and mused that maybe he had a point. How much play do we allow in our lives? What does playing even look like for adults? Can you remember the last time you just simply played without any measure of winning or losing, achieving a personal best, or hitting a goal? There are several benefits attached to playing. According to a helpguide.org article, adult play can “fuel your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. Adult play is a time to forget about work and commitments, and to be social in an institutional, creative way.” (Source: The Benefits of Play for Adults, helpguide.org)
We know that playing is good for us, so how do we incorporate more of it into our lives? It can be as simple as taking a walk in a park, jumping on a nearby swing and getting that swing as high as you can (yes, I am speaking from experience) or taking time to do something you really love to do but can’t seem to make the time to do it, such as visiting your local botanical gardens. No matter how you define play, can you commit to making more time for it? I will if you will.
Here’s OUR challenge:
1. List at least one way to get playing.
2. Sometime this week, do the thing or one of the things you listed.
3. Laugh, and don’t be afraid to look foolish (imagine a 60-year-old lady on a swing if you need a little inspiration).
4. Praise God for giving you time to play and invite Him in to enjoy the moment with you.
5. Share your experience with the rest of us! Let’s get a list going so that we can experience more ways to PLAY!
Jane,
You’ve got my wheels turning… ever so slowly but turning still. Play to me needs to be active (not the same as saying it’s defined by being physically active). I need to let go and just be (doing something) that’s fun with my hands, creating something even as temporal as a sandcastle.
Come tomorrow morning…I’m in! (Don’t know yet what it’s going to be, but it won’t take long to list.)
Thanks for the thought.
Nate,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful (as always) comment. I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
I play chase and hide & go seek with my dogs. It’s great fun for all involved. 🙂
Dogs are the epitome of play! Every time I see my neighbor’s dogs outside, I have to go out there and get my “pets” in. I don’t know who enjoys it more!
I’ve noticed that PLAY rejuvenates and inspires me, so thanks for the reminder, Jayne! I’ve made my list. Engaging with a bunch of 4-year-olds would cause me to need a nap, also!
That’s wonderful, Mary. We’ll have to get together and share our lists, soon!
Great idea! I think that I will begin a new embroidery project. I haven’t done one since I was 16 years old. It’s time to get the kit I bought a year ago out of the closet and open it. I think that little four year old was “spot on.”
That’s exciting, Sue. I wonder what we’d all find if we just looked in some closets and drawers. What lies tucked away that might bring us a little joy! I can’t wait to see the finished project.
My “perfect” play would be if I could get my hubby (a past “Disco-King!”) to take ballroom dance classes with me! And I’m 70!!!!
I’m here to help! How can we convince your hubby to get back out on the dance floor? Hmmm … I’ll be thinking on that.
A bit different than play, but speaking to real joy through creativity, I’ve just picked up my knitting needles after a particularly challenging 14 months and am happy 😊!
I love it! I think anything that brings us joy and inspires creativity can be considered play in my book.
I love to ride my bike Jayne!
(Have conversations with God best when I am biking or mowing).
I remember when I was a kid the free feeling of running down a hill (and in Florida hills are hard to find!) I still love to run, tho now doesn’t always feel ‘free’ and I’m afraid I might break a hip!!! 😂
I love riding my bike, too, Jan. Riding down by the Chattahoochee River is one of my happy places. Growing up, my sister and I used to roll down the hills – well, what could be considered hills in Florida – and get all grassy and dirty. I’m not sure that would be fun today because to your point, I might end up with a dislocated shoulder!
Take a walking tour in a new-to-me small town to explore the shops followed by a meal at a local favorite restaurant.
That sounds absolutely wonderful! Thanks for the great idea.
George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”
Oh, how true that is! Thank you for sharing that with us, Jeanne.