One day, I was at our Youth Building praying and seeking God. I praised the Lord and came to Him boldly with prayers for our family, church, youth group, and friends. There was such an incredible presence of the Lord that fell in the place. It was breathtaking. As I was walking through the building, I happened to walk by our front window. Even though I was in immense prayer and taking care of serious spiritual business, I stopped in my tracks to watch. Our church was across the street from our Youth building and we also had a Christian School located in the building. The kids had just been let out for recess. I’m sure they had been working very hard all morning. Even though I was across the street their body language showed how truly excited they were to be outside.
I saw a boy running up and down a great big snow drift, two girls having a snow ball fight, a little girl making a snow angel and many others laughing and playing and really enjoying life. It was addicting. I couldn’t stop watching them. I found myself giggling as I watched sheer joy in action. They were so happy as they played. I started to feel bad for stopping in the middle of such deep intersession to enjoy the sight outside my window. Then God spoke to my heart. He said. “Enjoy life, when I see my children taking time out of their busy schedule to play, I stop all that I do and watch. And I too, chuckle as I see the joy on their faces. Life is tough; you need to take the time to play too!”
It hit me. That week I had been very mission motivated. I had worked more hours than I should have, I had accomplished more than I had expected, and I had not taken a moment for recess…so I called over to the church and took the rest of the day off. Paid the babysitter for the full day and took my girls out to play in the snow. I took time to play, created a memory and made a right choice and I’m pretty sure as we were giggling in the snow that I heard The Father laughing with us!!!! Take time for recess today!!!
Father, please help us to remember to take time to play. I pray that we will play without guilt knowing that you love to see your children taking a break. Help us to be more like Mary and less like Martha!!! Amen
Luke 10:38 (NIV) At the Home of Martha and Mary 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.