Children playing

“Something To Think About” B101.5FM Radio Message 8/12/16

 

George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”

I thank God for grandchildren. One of the great things they do is remind you how to play. It is a true but often sad thing that the older we get, the more caught up we get in the “adult” and “grown-up” responsibilities of this life. But where was that moment, and when was that moment that we simply stopped “playing”?

Think about it. Putting on a baseball glove, throwing a frisbee, shooting some arrows into a target, a few jumps on the trampoline, (although I must admit, I think my back won’t allow for much of that these days), or putting a basketball through the hoop a few times. Even some of the good old board games from chess to checkers to Scrabble to Monopoly. Now remember, I didn’t say “bored” games.

I know we often feel that there just isn’t enough time for “that sort of thing” anymore, or maybe it would be a bit embarrassing, or childish, perhaps even feeling physically unable to do any of the above. But nothing could be further from the truth. I actually thought the days of sledding down a hill, or feeling the next day pain of running with a football and multiple kids on my back were gone. Boy was I wrong, and I’m so glad I was. I learned how to play again. And the more I played the younger I felt.

Suddenly the scripture became alive, “You shall run and not be weary” and Jesus says to us, “Let My joy be in you that your joy may be full.” And it all really works! Now again, I have my grandchildren to thank for re-awakening the joy of “playing” in my life. Rolling around on the floor, rolling down a hill, or just trying to throw the bean bag in a box or a bucket, the fun, the laughter, and the memories are both priceless and worth every single “ouch”.

I learned how to play again. And the more I played, the younger I felt. Click To Tweet

God wants us to play. Solomon said, “There is a time and a place for everything..”… so, somehow – some way – please don’t forget – to play.

Send us a story of a moment you began to “play” again, along with the joy and feelings it released. You can share your story in the comment box below.

2 Comments

  1. Grandchildren remind me of how important it is to have a child like faith and trust n God . They trust and have faith in us without reservation, just as we should do the same with our heavenly Father….

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