Play (by Dottie Oleson)

God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” - Exodus 3:5

Yesterday, I was on a walk with a fellow pastor friend. Our goal was to get to a park that we could see across the rivertrail that I refer to as “Narnia”. To get there, the two of us found ourselves jumping down a mini wall to a pathway, climbing a fence, and going down little trails. We laughed to ourselves as we were on a more adventurous walk than we expected. 

Our time together was intended for intentional conversation and yet, in our thoughtful and “serious” conversation we found ourselves almost “playing” like little kids in nature. We still intentionally conversed, and we also allowed ourselves to get distracted by an unexpected pond, to wander down an undiscovered trail, and to stop and stare at the beauty of a butterfly. 

Yesterday, I was reminded that part of a childlike faith is to play. It’s to lose ourselves in God’s creation. Play doesn’t require reading a book or having the right head knowledge. Instead, play is a time for our bodies to engage Creation. I’m inspired that as adults we too get to play and wander--as if we are children!

All of us have different abilities to engage our bodies. Within your own context, this week how can you incorporate “play” as a spiritual practice? Maybe it’s taking your shoes off and letting your bare toes touch the grass. Maybe it’s closing your eyes, breathing deeply, and smiling as you imagine times of play. Maybe it’s taking a dip in the ocean. 

Whatever it may be, play.