Let's Get Out and Play

I recently attended a workshop in Fort Worth that was entitled “A Theology of Play.”  The speaker for this workshop talked about her own reflection and observations about play and how play is understood and practiced in our culture.  If were to place the importance of play in our life where we would it rank as important or less important to us.

The typical understanding of play is that it is something we grow out of as we move from childhood, through puberty, and ultimately into adulthood.  Consider some of these quotes:

·         “That is child’s play” – conversational phrase

·         “When I became an adult I put away childish things” – 1 Corinthians 13

Is play something we need to grow out of?  The business world has over the past few decades instituted more play in the workplace: some businesses have built at their office buildings a weight room, a game room, or more comfortable lounges for the workforce giving them space in the day to play or rejuvenate.  The interesting thing about this kind of play is that the play in really only a means to an end.  Play is encouraged only so that the employee will work more effectively and be more productive to the profit margin of the company.  Play is only allowed if it has a larger purpose beyond itself.

Play for adults is harder to find these days.  We work longer hours, we have busier schedules, we have overcommitted our lives, and we barely have time for our families or ourselves.  When is play supposed to be a part of our life?

I believe play is an integral part of our well-being.  I think play should be just that -- play.  It fosters creativity and a sense of feeling alive to the world.  Play brings us joy because it resonates with our soul.  Play is more than recharging.  Play is more than a means to be more productive.  Play is intended to foster a healthy self. 

As a minister I recognize that the life and work of the church is about very serious things: deep questions of life and God, struggling issues of health, dealing with various forms of grief, considering all the problems of our world, and dealing with the hardships of life related to money, family, work, etc.  It can be very easy to get depressed and overly serious about life.

I put intentional effort into making play a part of my regular life.  Play for me includes the use of humor in my daily conversations (some might question the quality of my humor), it includes a round of golf with friends/family, and it celebrates fun time with my wife and kids.  I close with a quote from German theologian Jurgen Moltmann in his book A Theology of Play when he says, “We are playing in the world and with the world, and we are trying through free play to make ourselves fit for the totally-other.” 

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Dr. Chris Wilson