Most
children love for adults to play with them. This gives them the feeling that we
are interested in them, care about them, and value them as part of our life.
They blossom in our undivided attention, and benefit from our nurturing
interest and direction.
Children
feel cherished by our attention, and that impression will bond our relationship
with them, even into their adult years. While engaging in free-play with their
peers, they learn to cooperate, to solve problems together, to resolve
conflicts, and to share rather than to dominate.
Play
teaches us to access the creative side of our brain, regardless of how old we
are. This serves as a healthy channel for us to express our true emotions, to
thrive in our activities, and to enjoy our relationships and circumstances.
We
handle stressful situations through problem solving and enthusiastic
inspiration. This improves our productivity, attitude and focus on the job at
hand. Many companies incorporate a game room, library, gym, basketball court,
etc. for break times during the day.
As
parents we often replace creative, unstructured playtime with organized
activities that reduce fun and produce stress in our child's life. Schools even
reduce recess time in favor of more time for academic achievement, but this is
not productive.
Children
and adults lose our right to choose our activities as we are forced into molds
that do not fit our nature or personality. This causes us to feel restricted, to
lose our ability to make wise choices, and to foster our unique creativity. We
end up deprived and resentful, and we experience a loss of interest in life in
general.
During
unstructured free time, we see anxiety fade, inter-office relationships
improve, and unhealthy competition is reduced.
Through playtime we experience improvements in our physical, emotional,
social and mental health. We feel less secluded and lonesome, and we enjoy
better self-esteem in a family atmosphere.
Prayer:
Father
God, You are constantly creative in all of Your ways. Teach us, as Your
children, to come to You for inspiration on how to foster our creative side.
Show us what we need to do in order to bloom where You plant us, and to enjoy
the life that You provide for us.
Remind
us that we can also improve our relationship with You by giving our self
unstructured segments throughout the day to pray and praise You for who You are
and all that You do for us. We want to walk in Your Spirit and to fulfill Your
will for our life; the center of Your will is our happiest place on earth.
Thought
for the Day:
Playtime
fosters creativity in both children and adults, reduces stress, restores our
joy in living, and helps us to improve our interpersonal relationships;
therefore, it is healthy for us to schedule relaxing and joyful pursuits into
each day.
