Can You Come Out and Play?

When we think of the word “play”, most of us automatically think of children; and understandably so. However, being a child does not always have to apply to age. It can apply to one’s view of the world or to one’s personality. We know that when we grow up, we are to take responsibility for our actions as well as for our lives.

Hi My Name is…

We can learn a few things from children, though. Let’s look at some of the characteristics of children. Children laugh a lot, are quick to forgive, spontaneous, friendly and have a very vivid imagination. They love dressing up, play acting and are great helpers. Children don’t worry because they trust their parent or caregiver to provide and take care of them. We, too, should not worry because we have a Heavenly Father who will provide and take care of us. He specifically said, “Casting all your care on him for He cares for you”

Got No Time

Unfortunately, when we grew up and put on our “adult faces and adult costumes”, some of us shredded all the joy that children experience every day. We have allowed life to suck the very joy of living right out of us. Bills, work, family responsibilities have taken over our lives to the point where we don’t take the time to enjoy life. On top of that, we rarely think about self-care. Yes, these things are important, but they are not the whole of our lives.

Take Some Out

Putting things into perspective, we should look at them as separate files and not the whole file. While we take on worry, fear of the future or constant activity as if our very lives depend on it, we are slowly taking our own lives; if not physically then certainly mentally and emotionally. Remember this? “Lord , grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”. That should be our filing system. Here’s another old saying, “Worry is like a rocking chair. It will keep you busy but it won’t get you anywhere.”

Let Yourself Go

So, let’s go outside and play! When was the last time you had a good belly laugh? You know the kind where tears come and your side ache? What about just playing in the rain with a child, laying on the grass and trying to figure the shape of clouds or going to a movie on a weeknight? Why not get together with friends or family and play kickball?

See What You’re Missing

We could simply just take time to look around and enjoy the beauty of the world we live in, the trees, flowers, sunrise and the ocean. It’s hard to go to the beach and not feel better just having been there. The point is just to be kids at heart. Yes, do what needs to be done but do not forget that if we don’t slow down and nurture our hearts, we someday will look back and wonder why we put too much energy into things outside of ourselves.

Firewall

Even some of the children that are at a Children’s Hospital smile and display happiness despite their conditions. Is not this a great lesson for us? Yes, we have things to do and problems to solve. These things are happening “to” us. Let’s not let them get “in” us. Remember the song, Don’t Worry Be Happy?

Don’t Act Your Age Really

We only have one life to live, one chance at this thing called life, one chance to enjoy our family. We shouldn’t spend it in perpetual solemness wearing our “adult faces and adult costumes”. Let’s do what we can do, then go outside and play! It will surprise your heart and it will be glad and keep you healthy

Copyright Jacquelyn Lott “All Rights Reserved”