Midweek Encouragement - "God Created Playtime”

“Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand”

             ^{Why are Christians so serious? I can’t help but notice that many believers don’t seem to be enjoying life. Why do so many Christians seem to be missing out on enjoying the life God has given us? I wonder if the whole idea of playtime has been reduced to a worldly status. Do we think of relaxation or playtime as cheap entertainment rather than meaningful enrichment with positive spiritual, personal, and relationship benefits? And so I’m wondering . . . what are some of the benefits of play in the life of a Christian?}

         ^{Let me tell you what’s changed in my life recently. It’s a dog. My mother bought Millie, a Havanese puppy late last year and, because she’s so energetic, she now lives with Pamela and me. All nine pounds of her are wound tighter than a clock spring. When I have a stressful day, it’s easy to get caught up in that stress, and it just lingers. But as soon as I step inside our back door, Millie is waiting with wagging tail, standing on her hind paws, to welcome me home. And all she wants to do is play. She loves when I play ball with her or when I chase her from one end of the house to the other. Immediately, the stress doesn’t seem so much. Could it be that Millie’s passion for playing is helping me, too? Did you know that research has shown there are benefits to playing? It increases our optimism and improves our mental health. Play helps us have a better outlook in life. Thanks, Millie.}

         ^{I also think there’s a restorative part of playtime. Some people claim to feel more energized, more relaxed, more rejuvenated. I wonder how much of our stress is because we don’t take time to play.}

         ^{I think there are relational benefits to playtime, too. At my church’s First Friday Fellowship each month, those who play pickleball seem to build a kind of relational trust. I think that when you play with someone genuinely, you feel safe with that person. And when you feel safe with someone, it builds trust.}

         ^{Could play also have spiritual benefits, too? If we never play, I wonder if our view of God is always serious. Maybe that’s why, as kids, we wanted to go out and play in the snow. Instead, we protect our health from the cold and from possible falls, when in reality, God really wants us to put fear aside and have a snowball fight.}

         ^{Play helps us not to be defined by a difficulty. It helps us see life as more than something that’s challenging. It helps us see that our joy isn’t dependent on our health. I’m learning that play helps me be in the moment because I don’t think you can play and not be in the moment. Play frees us from yesterday, gives us pause to tomorrow, and allows us to just be present. Kids do that so well. They’re just there. They’re not worried. They’re just there. I think we can learn a lot from kids in terms of playing in the moment.}

         ^{So, my friend, today I want you to find some time to play. Play with the dog. Play a board game with your spouse. Take the kids to a park and play with them rather than watching them play. And I think you’ll discover that your playtime will lead to a more relaxed you.}

^{For those of you who will be in worship at the Mt. Laurel Church of God this coming Sunday, July 7, the message will be based on}

^{Ephesians 2:11-22}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.