When we consider our spiritual life, we are quite serious. We are thankful how God is leading us in very important ways. This is true, but sometimes we need to take a break. We are human, and there needs to be a time when we put “important” things aside and occupy ourselves with something else – time when we can be at play. We need the joyful experience of being alive and joyful. As a line from a Broadway musical states, “Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight.”
Scripture does not record incidents when Jesus played games, but we know that he did attend parties and loved to be with children who would always want to play. We can imagine Jesus’ laughter when Peter always seems to get in trouble with some of his ambitious claims like wanting to build shrines at Jesus’ mountain top experience.
Jesus wanted his followers to experience the abundant life by rejoicing in all of God’s creation and blessings. It is in play that we can let go and just feel the joy that comes in appreciating the present moment.
- Are you aware of the times in your life when you need to take a break?
- What kind of experiences help to renew your spirit?
- What part does humor play in living the Christian life?
O God, help me experience the joy of being fully alive.