Play Shouldn’t Just Be for Children
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. (Zechariah 8:5)
Last week, we had a few snow days, including a Sunday without worship. Sadly, even during the football playoff games, I was writing devotions, preparing next week’s bulletin preparation, and several other tasks. Rather than patting myself on the back for diligent hard work, I should have kicked myself a little for not including some time for play. I find it harder to play than work. Adolescent me would find that pathetic.
Adult playtime is not a waste of time. According to the latest National Geographic, Sadie Dingfelder proclaims, “We Need to Play Seriously.” “Adults tend to dismiss it as silly or childish, but having fun may be fundamental to the survival of our species.” Sadie, are you sure you are not exaggerating for emphasis? Sadie tells me with exasperation, “No, Scott.” “Play may look frivolous, but recent studies indicate that for mammals and perhaps all vertebrates, it may be as essential as the need for sleep.” Even the older deer in our backyard chase each other, and you can tell they are having fun. This spring, a mama was banging heads with her little son. Both were pretending to be ten-point bucks. Play teaches, builds community, provides exercise, and conveys love.
Dingfelder offers an academic study that confirms play between proto-humans allowed for the development of stone implements. “Even today, the urge to play underlies most of humanity’s greatest inventions, artworks, and scientific breakthroughs.” Dingfelder provides another example. “Before wolves are accepted into a pack, they have to demonstrate that they know how to play.” Rough play teaches the pups to focus on empathy so the hard play does not turn into anger and fights. The pack must remain empathetic and supportive of each other to survive.
Play provides fun but also joy, hope, and optimism. Play is a survival skill in a world that is constantly fighting to overcome fatalism. Like wolves or prehistoric people (but not the Geico Caveman), play is essential to survival. God wants us to be happy and bond with each other and our God in meaningful and lasting ways. Do not feel guilty for taking the time to play. Plan and schedule moments for fun, and don’t forget to include God in your play. I bet God likes to laugh and play with you. God finds meaning in supporting you in difficult times. But God also enjoys being included in some of your hard play!