Play!

Yes, today, let’s PLAY! The Earth is our playground- and God wants us to enjoy it!

So many times in life we get stuck acting like an adult. People tell us to grow up, to act our age. We condemn ourselves with this. We become overwhelmed with rules and guidelines and judgments, but most of all build too many expectations.

Yesterday, in a Bible study group, we explored the reading where Jesus said to the rule keepers, “Let the children come to me. Those who do not know know the Kingdom of God as children will not ever know it.” It was scary to me at first because of my Catholicism- as all of the rest of the “sacraments” cannot follow without Baptism first. And, as an infant, how is one to grasp anything other than the comfort of eating and sleeping?

But that’s it, the realization became so freeing, and inspiring! The Universe again led me to to gates of the PLAYground, the Kingdom, with my multiple sclerosis. Just two months ago, I was debilitated to a wheelchair. But like an infant, I have been shown through faith and grace to walk on my two feet again!

Looking upon a PLAYground with children on it, it resembles life, and the way our Father wants us to live.

Children will be brave, and muscle their way to the top of the tower to go down the winding slide! At first, they may need to trust someone to be waiting at the bottom- but they do it! They may let out a scream, a cry, or let anxiety overwhelm them– but have you ever seen a statue of that at the top? Maybe they will say, “Never again,” or excitedly say, “Again!” Either way, they both believed they could get to the top.

There are rules and balances in place, even if no one is looking. Don’t jump off the swing when it’s in mid air because you can get hurt!

While in the swinging motions on a swingset, a child envisions themselves flying! They build up the courage knowing that the rule says, “No!” They know the consequences of getting hurt, but they keep their vision, and are willing to accept the pain (the consequences) for the gain. They feel the pit of their stomach as they muscle through going higher, then lower again. They believe they can fly.

Now maybe this children’s flight doesn’t go exactly as envisioned. They could get put in a time out– but do they choose to stay in the timeout forever? They could have a “bad landing ” and break their arm– but do they choose to keep the cast on it forever? Or, do they choose to keep clenching to the chain with sweating palms because the timing didn’t feel right– eventually their hands will loosen.

That’s life, and we are on a PLAYground. So for today, let’s embrace ourselves and the child in us! Our Heavenly Father is amongst us, saying PLAY! Believe you can do the impossible, see the invisible, and become the superhero. Be like a baby, and accept the nourishment of others. Maintain your innocence knowing He always provides. Enjoy with excitement and celebrate with laughter… dust yourself off and apologize, and love life with all of your heart. PLAY and pray!