Children playing

‘Something To Think About’ B101.5 FM Radio Message – 1/13/16

 

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.

7 Comments

  1. A lot of rewards for me happen daily as an assistant teacher. Their laughter after something funny happens, the moment when a new concept clicks in their minds or even when they shoot their hand up to pray. Countless examples daily.
    I have to admit though, beside worship and Bible Study, my next favorite thing is…recess!! It’s the time when the children can run free, enjoy the company of each other. Even though that blesses my heart, what blesses my heart even more is when they ask me to play with them. “Miss. Sam you be goalie!”, “I’m on Miss. Sam’s team!”, “Miss. Sam! You can’t break out of jail like that!”, “Miss Sam can you play basketball with me?” “Miss. Sam, can you give me a push on the swing?”
    What a privilege it is!!
    I enjoy playing soccer, playing basketball, playing capture Miss. Sam, pushing children on the swing. Could I do without a jammed finger, or grass stains, or a scraped elbow? Of course, but I wouldn’t change any of them because those things remind me of that joyous laugh of a child when chasing Miss. Sam and she tripped over a clump of grass. The concerned face of a child when Miss. Sam was holding her finger in pain. Even when Miss. Sam’s elbow was bleeding and the children bringing me band aids and paper towels and trying to consol me (even though I was okay!).
    I enjoy my recess with the kids! What a joy and blessing it is to be a part of a child’s joy and laughter. Proverbs 17:22 says “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs15:15 say “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”
    Playing with the children does give me strength, it does touch my heart and make it full. I’m so thankful that it is daily! So go play, have fun…it’s good for you!!! Praise God!!!!!

  2. Best message!! I cannot stand snow. Too much of it growing up. Be that as it may, when the first big snowfall hits, I have to go out and build a snowman, sled with the kids (even if I can’t move later) and make snow angels. If it were just me, I would be fine snuggled up in the corner of my couch and hibernating until the snow melted and it was at least spring. But the time spent playing with the children and just having a goofy time takes years off your life and is worth every moment!! Thank you for the reminder!!

  3. Daivd: I meet you at Sante Fe car wash if fredericksburg. Looking for the information for the broadcast where you asked me to say a few words of encouragement. Please let me know so I can tune in. Be blessed, Vernon

    • David Hirsch (Author)

      Hi Vernon. We will definitely keep you informed of the date that video will run. Good to hear from you & have a great weekend!

    • David Hirsch (Author)

      Hello Vernon. God bless you Brother! Today is the day our video airs from the carwash. Go to GodsLoveNeverFails.com. have a great and blessed day! (David)

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