Get Out & Play

God didn't just create us to work and toil about here on the earth all of our days. He created us to enjoy our lives. To play and have fun. So many animals in creation play. Dolphins like to jump and flip in the waves. Kangaroos play fight with each other. Even baby crocodiles have been seen blowing bubbles from their snout, for seemingly no reason.

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the sky, and they will tell you...which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?

Job 12:7-9

Play, by definition, is to engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose. We say we "play" sports, but maybe the reality is that we participate in them. When was the last time you played? Really played. Just did something because it was fun. Did something that made you smile for no purpose at all except just to have fun?

Kids are so good at playing. They don't need to be reminded to do it; they just have a natural inclination to play. It is through play, that they do most of their learning. My kids are my constant reminder to slow down and just enjoy the present. They can find ways to play with a rock and some sticks to be honest. I truly admire watching my kids play.

It seems the older we get the harder it is to play. With age, comes more responsibilities. Yet God isn't telling us to ignore our responsibilities. He sometimes just needs to remind us that not everything has to be productive or for a purpose. I have a really hard time putting my tasks for the day on hold to simply play. I catch myself often telling my kids "I can't play right now" for this reason or that. It is something that unfortunately does not come naturally to me, as I'm sure most moms can relate. But I am learning. I am learning that it is okay to stop and enjoy life. To pause the to-do list and play Barbies or hide-and-seek for a little while. Because I want to be a part of the memories my kids are making, not just an observer from the sidelines.

Whether it is painting a picture, playing a board or card game, building Legos with no directions, simply splashing or swimming aimlessly in the pool or ocean. Our God created us to enjoy life. Take this as your gentle reminder to get out and play this week. Find something you can do, just for fun, with no other purpose except pure enjoyment. Seize opportunities to sit and play with your kids. Be a part of their play. Build a fort or draw chalk on the driveway for no other reason than to just do it. You will find extra joy as you watch your children's faces light up. They desire for you to be a participant in their play. It will create a foundation for lasting memories together.

Children are only little for a brief moment. Don't let these years pass you by toiling through them. Don't forget that God created you to enjoy your life. Let us learn from the animals and from our children that we don't have to take life so seriously all the time. Let's get out and play!

Love you mama!