Being Open and Receptive to a Playful Experience

From the Desk of Pastor Robert
 
Dear Church Family,
 
This week while walking my little dog at a local park I noticed how bustling with activity the park had become. Before Covid it was a quiet little neighborhood park that was quiet throughout the week and held large gatherings on the weekends. But now each afternoon it’s hopping with activity. There was a group of 10 children playing a game that looked like a cross between rugby and soccer – they were having a blast, shouting & screaming, running and cheering. Two groups of young men playing basketball serenaded by their boom boxes playing hip hop music. I watch a father play pickleball with his two young sons – they were having fun – with the father’s help the younger son was beating his older brother, 3 girls were climbing trees and looked like they were sharing secrets, several groups of children played in the creek, even more little children played on the playground; swinging, sliding and hanging. A dog very excitedly chased his ball and 4 senior men played a bean bag game that reminiscent of horseshoes. There was a lot of noise – and for the most part – joyous noise, play noise, noise that relieves stress and pent up energy. I watched at how easy play came to the children – and I remembered playing as a child and the wonderful release that it provides. 
 
I was thinking how important play is in our lives at every age. Before Covid I played cards with some friends each Monday night. WE ate copious amounts of junk food (popcorn, M&M’s and Oreo’s de jour) and blamed poor dealing on our failure to win the games. There was a lot of laughing and each Tuesday morning I would lament the junk food but grateful for the opportunity to connect through play. And that is what I observed about the people playing at the park – despite the age, people of all ages were connecting through play in a safe environment. 
 
Play is essential to learning for everyone – especially for children. However, George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.” So I try to bring play to many parts of my life and when I don’t I find myself in a suffering situation.
 
We can learn from each other about how to play, what to play, when to play – I suggest that you are open and receptive to a playful experience. What ever that activity is for you. I was happy to be in the park that day, to witness and hear all of the playful activity around me. To be reminded that playing is good, healthy, & important.
 
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert