“Men do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they quit playing.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
Do you associate play with youthfulness? I wrote last week on playfulness and it does seem children have much to teach us.
Play does bring out something in us that doesn’t always have a way to be expressed. Have you ever played a board game with someone and been surprised? Maybe an introvert who becomes very competitive? Or someone’s sense of humor that you hadn’t uncovered? When we play, we let facades fall aside and perhaps get a clearer picture of what lies underneath.
Do you know I began to fall in love with my husband over Trivial Pursuit? It was the second time we had met (he says it was our first…but this is my blog, so we will go with second) I remember being struck by three things that night- his intelligence (he is really smart), his kindness and his very loud laugh.
Play and laughter has continued to be a marker of our marriage. There are few people I can be as silly with and carefree. We create beauty in those interactions. We help each other see the face of God.
Play frees us from constraints. From ways we think we ‘should’ behave. Play gives us freedom to laugh and enjoy. Play lets go of needing to accomplish and makes it all about the moment. Play often invites us to be more of who we really are. Job titles and roles we play have minimal impact. What makes our heart beat and our belly laugh has room to be drawn out.
Yesterday we talked about Beauty in Work (read here)….and so in the same vein, where do we see beauty in play?
Beauty that comes from being present and engaged.
Beauty that laughs at our own limits and attempts.
Beauty that invites the Sabbath, reminding us of it being a day of delight.
Beauty in trying new activities and games.
Beauty in valuing that which has no profit.
Beauty in laughter that can fill a house and cement relationships.
As I write, I am filled with gratitude. Grateful for you all following in this journey of Beauty. Wherever it may take us. Stay tuned tomorrow for Beauty in Rest…and probably more talk of Sabbath.
“It’s a happy talent to know how to play.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you know how to play?
What do you delight in? Where do you play?
What might God be inviting you into?
I am participating in The Nester’s 31 Days of Series. Click right here to see all the amazing topics! I am writing on 31 Beauty Full Days. You can read the intro post here. And you can also always click on the button on the sidebar to see all posts in the series.
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I smile as I read your Beauty in Play, as I see our family in a circle around the table engaaged in a game, each one relaxed and being ‘them’ unique in their self….and oh so different but a blend of wonderful personalities…I’m glad we learned to play as a family and now we are teaching that to the next generation…….thanks for taking me to the ‘play table’ this morning…
Yes, playing is something we learn from our families. Sweet memories of playing hearts with our family. ‘play table’ I like that.
Happy weekend to you.