When was the last time you acted like a kid, did
something just for the fun of it, or did more on your day off than catch up on
chores? We all have our favorite things from childhood.
That favorite toy, or the one you always wanted, but
never received is a clue to what made you happy as a child. Consider purchasing
that toy now; just google it and see what you can find. Put it on a shelf as a
knickknack, or if possible play with it.
Blowing bubbles, casting a yo-yo, jumping on a
trampoline, swinging at the park, playing board games, catching the wind with a
pin wheel (windmill), making crafts with grandchildren or the children in your
church Body, racing cars on a track, finger painting, flying a remote plane or
drone, etc. are all very therapeutic.
Gazing at that favorite Tonka truck sitting on the
bookshelf in your den will feed your soul. Dolls come in all sizes and shapes;
buy one that catches your interest and get a few sets of clothes to redress her
now and then as she sits pretty on your bedroom shelf.
Some men go mudding in their truck; ever wonder why? It
is therapeutic to their soul. Women love to dress up and wear extensive make-up,
high heeled shoes and sparkling jewelry, because it brings out the princess in
them.
Give yourself time to play with friends - laugh, love,
relax and unwind. Take time to ride the attractions at theme parks or to see
the shows. Attend a concert or view a production by your local thespians.
Go skiing, surfing, fishing, hiking, biking, boating, fly
a kite, etc. Play in the rain or run through the sprinkler; model at your local
clothing store; take a music, cooking, baking or woodworking class, etc.
Volunteer at the local animal shelter or rescue; and give
those frightened, lonely animals some attention. Serve food at a local soup
kitchen or visit a homeless shelter or nursing home and show care to the people
there.
Purchase an adult coloring book and felt markers to take
time to color. Play a video game. Construct a cardboard puzzle, or buy a book
of word puzzles and use it to wind down before bed. Giving the kid in us a
chance to play improves our physical, mental and emotional health.
Prayer:
Father God, we are Your children, co-heirs with Christ of
Your Kingdom, and You delight over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). You spoil
us by providing all of our needs in abundance and keeping us safely tucked
under the shadow of Your wings. As Christians, we tend to be stuffy, overly
serious and we spurn good, clean fun.
Help us to connect with the child in us that You created,
and who even now still dwells in us (Matthew 18:3). As we age, we often lower
our defenses and allow the child-like part of our personality more freedom of
expression; but please teach us to embrace the humility, creativity and
innocence of that part of our self regardless of our age.
Thought for the Day:
Allowing our Inner Child out of whatever box, hole or
closet we hid them in, so they would not embarrass us, is a very healthy step
to take; we put away childish things and don the responsibility of an adult (1
Corinthians 13:11), but we should not attempt to murder or imprison that
creative, fun-loving aspect of our personality (Psalm 131:2).
