Did you forget how to have fun? This is a question I have asked myself, and others, a number of times over the years. I think it is an important question. I can be an intense person. For those who know me, that is a “duh!” statement. I like to compete (and win). When I am doing office work (not always my favorite) I usually look pretty serious (so I am told). But at my core, I believe that God made joy and that life is meant to be enjoyed.
My mom tells the story that when I was born, I came out with a big smile on my face. I think I cried, but soon I was smiling and smiling – so much that the doctors were a little worried that I might be “special” (others have made the point that I might have a few screws loose, but that is another story). My mom wasn’t worried, and I turned out OK (for the most part). So yeah, I have always been a pretty optimistic person, but I have never wanted my optimism to be blind. There is very real pain and tragedy in the world, and I have wept with those who have lost children, or found out they have cancer, or are considering suicide. I don’t think pain is to be ignored; I also don’t think pain overrules God’s joy. God’s joy gives me strength to deal with the hard moments of life. If I forget to have fun, I have no strength for the struggles.
God made fun. Joy is a much bigger concept than fun, but God made fun and wants us to have fun – this includes laughing, playing, and dancing. Have you forgotten how to play and dance? Many adults have. Perhaps when you arrive in heaven you will have to learn from our Father how to be a child again. I don’t want to wait. I need play to balance out my intensity. I want to experience the joy of God. “Joy is the serious business of heaven” wrote C.S. Lewis. God is living in joy and invites us into His joy. He sees the pain and suffers Himself, but still experiences perfect joy. Jesus said He came to bring “life to the full,” but the devil only “steals, kills, and destroys.” Don’t help the devil do his job! Have fun, experience the joy of Jesus.
Did you forget how to have fun? I hope you can find a way to have some fun today.
I like to have some fun everyday. I’m a little weird because I enjoy a lot of things that others don’t. Cleaning, working, and other things like gardening and swimming that are more fun. I’ve always enjoyed working and the older I get the more it’s a blessing. If I’m cleaning it’s because I have a home to clean, or a car to clean, I loved working when I had a job because I liked helping other people and being part of a team. A lot of people have told me I inspire them because of this. So I’m overjoyed that God bestowed this gifts on me.
I love that list of things you do! What a great perspective. Thanks Carol. 🙂
The JOY of the LORD is your strength! We must never ever firget that. So as Scott has reminded us….Be Joyful and Have FUN intentionally!
Thank Maggie!