An older, wiser man once told me that for a human to be healthy, happy and whole, he or she needed to exercise a triangle of work, rest and play. Interestingly, as I reflected on my personality and habits at the time, I was pretty decent at work, so-so at rest and terrible at play! I was told more than once during those days that I was a serious soul that needed to lighten up!
Looking back at the wise man’s words, I really appreciate the emphasis that he put on the balance of work, rest and play. Too much of one or two of those made for a wobbly life that could very easily lead to some kind of breakdown. Believe it or not, trying to introduce more play into my life was a bit awkward and intimidating. It was like a foreign concept. I still avoid board games like the plague (very weird, I know). I think it’s because I feel caught, just sitting there doing nothing productive. But I did learn to develop some other, more physical activities of play like swimming, paddle boarding, tennis, cycling. Sometimes I can even enjoy playing cards, chess or backgammon. What a breakthrough!
I wonder if Jesus lived a life with this healthy triangle. Certainly we know he worked. Think of all that teaching, healing, and casting out of demons. He seemed to know how to rest by going out “backpacking” on mountains alone to be with God. But did he play? There are not too many examples of him playing that I can think of, but we can surmise from his love and inclusion of children, that he knew how to play. I have also seen some movie interpretations of his life where he is occasionally very playful with his mother and friends. I can imagine those interpretations hit close to home! His interactions with the more legalistic Pharisees have the background message, “Lighten up! Enjoy being human! Laws were made for the benefit of mankind, not simply to trap him into rules, duties and obligations which often lead to either pride (for being good at them) or guilt (for being bad at them).”
Jesus went to weddings. He went to dinner parties. He appreciated and commented on the beauty of nature, of the goodness of Creation. I can imagine he was a person we would really enjoy hanging out with. He is our friend after all. If he noticed us getting too “religious,” he might even encourage us to “lighten up” and enjoy life a bit more!
The prophet Nehemiah wrote, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to the Lord. Do not grieve, for the JOY of the Lord is our strength!” Nehemiah 8:10
Do you work? Do you rest? Do you play? Do you need to “lighten up?” Is there a balance of these things in your life? Maybe you can think of other things that are helpful to live a healthy, happy and whole life! It seems so easy to focus on the negative things of life, the suffering, the hurt, the injustice. How might our lives be different if we focused on the joy of being human, the appreciation of this amazing planet we live on, loved by God and by other people…with opportunities to love them back!
About the Author
John lives in Pleasant Hill with his dog, Gunnar, and a multitude of guests who enjoy the peace and beauty of the Cascade foothills. With three children and three grandchildren all living in Oregon, he is continually blessed with their company and the good food that always accompanies their get-togethers!