My father was neither gregarious nor grumpy. He was neither mean nor loving. He was steadfast and a very hard worker. I think of him this time of year remembering him raking leaves and oh, that wonderful smell of burning leaves (which is NOT good for our environment, so compost, don't burn). We had a small hill in our backyard. He would rake the leaves (we had many trees) into a large pile at the bottom of the hill. My brother and I absolutely loved to run down the hill and jump into the pile of leaves. This was sheer joy-elated, uncontrolled, abandoned joy. Even writing these words I can smell and feel the leaves. My father never minded us doing this, although he told us we had to help re-rake them into a pile (which we were happy to do). Even though I don't remember my father to be one who smiled much, I do think he enjoyed watching his sons truly play. I can only imagine how I would have experienced by father jumping in the pile with us.

 

I am musing about play and wondering how we play when we are "grown up". Sometimes when I am flying one of my kites, I become self-conscious of taking the time that appears un-productive. But.... it gives me joy and in so doing feeds my soul. At the end of that string my spirit is soaring close to the face of God.

 

I am also wondering how the church plays. And a "fun" activity that is offered for the purpose of fund-raising is not play. When do we find ourselves elated with uncontrolled, abandoned joy as the children of God together? 

 

Prayer: Loving God, teach us to play. Amazing, divine Spirit, come frolic with us. Amen.

David

Rev. David R Gaewski, Conference Minister

[email protected]  Twitter: @davidgaewski1