What good is a day without play?

Heard a really important message at church a few weeks ago.

The basic idea was:

God created recess.

This is another one of those things that I feel like I've been aware of for a long time, but I've never put enough into practice.

It's so easy to see God as a judge, harsh parent, enforcer. It's easy to forget how much God loves to have fun. Pastor Dan reminded me this morning that God doesn't just want to correct us; he doesn't just want to tell us what we're doing wrong and where we need to improve. Sometimes he just wants us to enjoy being together, like our best memories with our families on vacation growing up.

Check out the message here. It's not short, but it's worth the time.

A few weeks ago, I heard another great message with some similar ideas from Pastor Tom Wolff at our previous home church. Both Pastor Dan and Pastor Tom remind us how much (especially in our culture), it's easy to be rushed, easy to busy. As Pastor Dan put it this morning, it's easy to have our lives be full of appointments, not people. What a shame to miss the moments that might seem like a waste of time, but are actually the ones God wants us to remember. Things like a simple fishing trip, a moment of musical inspiration that's isn't what we're supposed to be practicing, a kiss from a loved one.

How many times have I forgotten to take time just play, or just enjoy what God was giving me?

Too many times.

And then this Sunday I heard another crazy wonderful idea, based on the writings of John Piper. The basic idea was this: God is best worshipped when we enjoy him most.

Of course life isn't going to be all good times; there is so much to learn from the pain. But like any loving parent, God really wants us to have times of happiness and pleasure as well as times of more difficult growth and learning. I'm actually supposed to enjoy being with God. Life with God means not just being forgiven, but living forgiven--not ruled by guilt. It's exciting and wonderful to explore this way to live.