Somewhere along the way, many of us got so busy and “grown up”, that we forgot how to play. But what if being playful is actually a crucial aspect of being created in the image of God ? Today we look at the example of Jesus and look at ways to recapture a playful heart.

“Adults are so busy, so preoccupied with our agendas and tasks that we fail to enjoy the beauty right in front of our eyes.  Children don’t need someone to tell them to enjoy life…But as we grow older, most of us feel the pressure to be ‘productive.’  We feel guilty when we take time to enjoy something or stop to play.  Most adults don’t even know what it means to play.  Play is doing something for its own sake…  Becoming like Jesus is as much about having a relaxed and joyful heart as it is about believing and doing the right things, as much about proper energy as about proper truth…[But] we become so preoccupied by our endless tasks that we postpone leisure and play to some future time we envision will be less busy…Leisure is not the luxury of those who have time, but rather the virtue of those who give to each instance of their lives the time it deserves…  Our play is not something separate from our spirituality; it is itself a sign of the presence of God in the world…  Just as we delight in seeing our own children light up with joy, so too does God our heavenly father…Play is sometimes called recreation because it has the capacity to re-create us.  Play can help us contemplate God.  One of our greatest obstacles to contemplating anything, including God is our self-absorption…If you find that you are having difficulty contemplating God, try paying attention to something other than yourself, perhaps nature, music, or art.  Begin with anything that helps you fix your attention on something outside yourself… As you do these things remember God’s role in this gift…Experience God’s pleasure in your pleasure.”
– Ken Shigematsu in “God in my Everything”

The more seriously you take the glory of God the less seriously you will take your own sense of self-important pride.  Playfulness is often a sign that someone actually understands the gospel.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation…
while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy ?”  — Job 38:4-7

If a childhood friend showed and told you he had brought your favorite childhood toy, game or activity, what would it be ? 
(looking back on your childhood may give you a clue to your lost ‘language’ of play)

Jesus said:
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3 What questions or thoughts does this sermon raise for you ?

RESOURCES

“BuysBusyBusy” Song: https://www.amazon.com/BusyBusyBusy/dp/B01566LI6C

First time Josh Bell played in a subway:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw&t=55s

Second time Josh Bell played in a subway:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrPf0JIN0FE

This sermon series draws upon the work of Ken Shigematsu and his book, “God in my Everything” You can see it here:
https://www.amazon.com/God-My-Everything-Ancient-Rhythm/dp/0310499259/