Issue 1280 – Hard at Play – October 24, 2023
Yesterday, as I sat at a stoplight, I was delighted to watch a raven at play. It had what appeared to be a conifer cone, which it bumped with its beak. The cone rolled down the side of the road like a ball. The bird raced up to it and pushed it again. As we were on a hill, the “ball” rolled quite a distance with each push. It was very deliberate; the bird was playing.
The scene brought to mind something I saw many years ago when I watched three ravens playing a “kick the can” game with an empty soft drink can. They were having fun literally kicking the can and chasing it, each seemingly taking turns. I watched them for more than five minutes. It, too, was deliberate play.
In South Africa in 2004, I was blessed to watch groups of dolphins riding the waves to shore on a couple of mornings. Some rode inside the waves while others preferred a body surf. They would ride the waves in, return to the deeper water and repeat the process over and over.
We also watched a baby rhino playing chase games with some form of gazelle. Sometimes, the rhino would chase; other times, it was the gazelle.
I can think of many more examples of animals, both wild and domesticated, at play. I am sure you can as well.
I marvel at the truth that God cares so much about even the animals that He created them with a sense of play, of fun. How much more so has He built that into us?
Play can be simple fun, but it can also be a place where we learn much, particularly in childhood. Play-based learning promotes children’s cognitive, social, emotional, psychological and physical development.
I can’t imagine Jesus without a sense of humour and play. He was the perfect man (as well as wholly God), and I cannot imagine Him being a stiff legalistic Pharisee. People flocked to him, so it’s hard to see him as stern and pickle-faced.
There are times when Jesus being stern was called for. He could be a force to be reckoned with, turning over the tables in the temple courts on two occasions and chasing the vendors out with braided whips.
I have met many Christians who are so stern and uptight that I am almost convinced their faces would crack if they actually smiled or laughed. May we never be like.
I don’t mean we should take our faith lightly; it is of the greatest importance. We don’t have to always take ourselves seriously.
It is possible to seem to take things too lightly, something I have been guilty of on many occasions. The answer to that, though, isn’t too much rigidity.
The Scriptures tell of God rejoicing over his people. The Bible speaks repeatedly of the joy of the Lord and reminds us to rejoice in Him. It’s hard to truly rejoice with a stern frown on your face.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:7
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
I encourage you to take some time and play. Regain your childlike sense of wonder and rejoice in the Lord.
May you be known for your love of Jesus and others and the warm welcome of your smile.
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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