The word “play” brings to mind images of children frolicking and laughing with abandon. At some point we “grown ups” assume that we have “grown out” of the need to play. We take on adult responsibilities, deal with adult problems, and in general take life very seriously.
So, when I began praying for discernment about my sacred word for this year - already full of ongoing pandemic suffering, political divisions, systemic racism and rising anger - I was more than a bit surprised when the word “play” kept landing on my heart and soul.
“Play?” I thought, “seriously, God? In the midst of all the division, pain and suffering of this world, you want me to play?” And quite simply God’s answer was, “Yes.”
The more I pray with the word play, the more I realize that God’s invitation to play even amidst the weight of the world is one of the greatest gifts I didn’t know I needed. Play doesn’t minimize the importance of the challenges that surround me. What it does is lift my spirit enough so that I can face these challenges with just a bit more clarity and grace.
Therefore, as Lent approaches and Christians across the globe begin praying about how to draw closer to God as we draw closer to Easter, I have decided to embrace “play” as my Lenten spiritual discipline.
I will pray daily to find ways to play daily this Lent.
I realize that making play a “discipline” definitely runs the risks of taking all of the fun out of it! I know myself well enough to recognize that I can sometimes (okay, well, quite often!) take life too seriously and may struggle to find ways to play on any given day.
Therefore I am trying to head my grumpy self off at the pass by creating a “Lenten Play List” full of simple ways to play on those days when I may struggle to find the playful sprite within. So far my play list includes … sing loudly, dance with abandon, read the comics, listen to a comedy podcast, sing happy birthday to myself (even though it’s not my birthday!), create a music play list of songs that lift my spirits, bark along with the dog, put a goofy screensaver on my phone, make silly faces at myself in the mirror, and the list will grow.
I invite you to join me in unwrapping the unexpected and life-giving gift of “play” this Lent – not to minimize the very real struggles of your life, but to invite God’s presence in the midst of them. Tending to the needs of your own soul will give you clarity and strength to tend to the needs of the world. Create your own “Lenten Play List” and let me know what you include. I will need ongoing ideas as well!
By the grace of God, may we receive the gift of play – even amidst the weight of daily living, loving, losses and longings. In so doing, may we grow in thanksgiving for this precious gift of life.
Amen.
