Play Everyday

As I was walking into the shopping center, I noticed three kids under 7 walking along the narrow ledge between the brick upper wall and concrete foundation a foot high. They were fully engaged and talking animatedly about what was to do next. I commented with a smile to their dad/uncle/caregiver “kids can make a game of anything anywhere” and he replied in the affirmative.

It got me thinking about that simple ease in life where one can use their imagination and a willing attitude to find fun in any situation. My observation is that a lot of ‘grown-ups’ have forgotten this fabulous skill. Remember not stepping on a crack, or only on certain colored tiles as a kid? How about making up games or stories or trying something to see what happened?

There was a time when we didn’t know nearly as much about the world and so we asked a lot of questions and learned from experience about gravity, fire, and the strength of tree branches under a kid’s weight. What the causal observer might call goofing around, was a classroom were we learned things, not only about the world but how to relate to others as well. This kind of free play was also a learning ground about ourselves, our passions, our dislikes, and if we preferred alone or group time.

When we became grown up we got busy doing other things: work, chores, responsibilities, and diversions. That kid who likes to play is still there inside though, whispering to follow your passion while your reasonable mind pushes for another task to finish or easy distraction.

What does all this have to with the spiritual journey you might be asking. The spiritual life is not just about meditation and being nice. It is also about being transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom 12:2). How does that happen, the renewing of our mind? Well sure it happens in meditation, but the way is made smoother when we are also willing to see the world through new eyes, as a child does. When we let go of things being the way we think they are, we leave room for new knowledge and understanding.

Kids with their natural curiosity and willingness to explore and be joyful are wonderful examples how to walk the world and our own spiritual path.