A small
group of women sat in a circle. The
question was greeted with silence and I didn’t dare tell the truth. What would they think? It’s just not the kind of thing you admit in
public. And besides that, I felt
guilty.
But maybe
it’s time now I owned up.
I’m not
busy, not in the way most people are.
And, I’m not
terribly productive.
I’m happy.
My life is
incredibly fun.
I play all
of the time.
//
After
listing seven attributes of play, Laura Boggess, author of Playdates With God,
asked the women in our small retreat circle to name ways they already
play.
I thought of
my kids – the way they invite me to join them on our
hammock-turned-pirate-ship, the games of fishy-fishy-cross-my-ocean that form
in the yard. But it’s not just the kids’
fault. When they’re gone – at school and
preschool – I cut flowers from the garden, I paint and color, I design and make
Tiny Books of poetry.
And I
write.
In the
silence that followed Laura’s question, I offered, “Writing’s a form of play
for me, I think. . . . cooking too.”
Women
nodded, smiled. I didn’t dare add about
the coloring, painting, yo-yo fun and Ukulele experiments.
//
It’s a
miracle really that I’m having so much fun.
My personality type’s represented by a worker
bee and yet, here I
am flitting and fluttering about like some kind of butterfly.
Last summer
God told me, “I’m going to restore your joy.”
This past
weekend, a year and a half after God’s revelation, one of the retreat attendees noted on her evaluation form, “The leaders had a joyful countenance.”
Some secrets
can’t be hidden. The shine, like a
light, like a smile on our faces. If you’re
happy and you know it, you won’t be able to hide it for long.
That’s why
I’m here confessing.
Miracles CAN
happen. Even worker bees can learn to dance.
(And, for your Monday morning happiness boost, click on the video below. Dancing around is encouraged.)
* * *
Welcome to the #SmallWonder link-up.
What if we chose to deliberately look for the small moments of wonder, the small sparks of presence, of delight or sorrow, of true humanity in which we meet God?
That’s my proposal – that we gather here each week to share one moment of Wonder from each of our days.
You’re invited to link-up a brief post about a small moment of wonder. Don’t worry if your post is too long, too short, or not just right – you’re welcome to come as you are.
While you’re here, please do take a look around and encourage at least one other blogger with a comment.
Kelly, I loved this post! I am so grateful to our God who restores our joy & yes, calls us to play. Blowing bubbles with 3YO Jocelyn is play for me. As is, looking for rocks to dig up in our yard & save in her basket. There is something so peaceful & joyful about entering into her play. Probably why Jesus tells us to become like little ones 🙂
I'm glad to hear you get your play in too, Joanne.
I love this so much… and while it is 'easier' or more accepted now that I am an empty nester, I play and flitter around and am often times (on the outside anyway) unproductive! Amen and Hallelujah! 😉
Funny, I feel all this pressure to play less once my kids are all in school, Karrilee. I'll have to keep your example in mind! 🙂
Kelly, I am over noted that you are happy. God bless.
OVER JOYED
Thanks, Mom.
I am so happy to hear that God has restored your joy, as promised. Your "little light" is shining all the way to my house!
Thanks, Constance.
Enjoying your life is a beautiful gift from God! I celebrate it with you too. I'm in a joyful season as well, and I'm so grateful for these times.
Thanks Lisa!
Im headed to Portland to see 4 grandkids…i have a hunch we'll play a lot. I too am not "busy" that much. Oh I could be, but I need and value time to be. And in that time, finding "small wonders" I have over looked. sort of like on my post this week. loved hearing about this playful Mama!
"I need and value time to be." That's exactly it, isn't it Carol. Enjoy those Grandkids!
Best thing about this post, Kelly? The comment that says, "One and a half years ago God told me…." and no matter that it took that long…God did it and you believed He would.
i'M DOING a happy dance with you. Yay!
Yay!
How refreshing to hear about your JOY! You are so right, it shouldn't be hidden–I love hearing about your lovely life and the blessings God whispered, and provided! So inspiring and beautiful..I'm normally a worker bee, so love when you say worker bees can learn to dance! Thank you for sharing your joy!!
How refreshing to hear about your JOY! You are so right, it shouldn't be hidden–I love hearing about your lovely life and the blessings God whispered, and provided! So inspiring and beautiful..I'm normally a worker bee, so love when you say worker bees can learn to dance! Thank you for sharing your joy!!
I'll never forget you saying, "I have the best life. I play all the time!" And the look of joy on your face. We shouldn't feel guilty about that! One of the best gifts of the weekend for me was playing with your kids. We need to keep some youngsters around to remind us how to play!