Time For Fun
Stop.
Take a deep breath and close your eyes. As you rest and breathe deeply, think of things in your life that give you joy. Take some time to rest in gratitude for those activities.
Listen.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8
Reflect.
In our last devotion, we talked a little about having fun. We discussed how easy it is to schedule fun and play out of lives as if we do not deserve it. We reminded ourselves to make time and space in our lives to do fun things because it is a gift from God.
But sometimes, fun just isn’t in the equation. Maybe it’s an especially challenging season of your life. Maybe you’re struggling with your mental health. Maybe your work/life balance is completely out of whack and it’s going to take some time to get it back. Whatever causes it, the direction to “just go have some fun!” feels just like one more thing on your to-do list that won’t get done.
That’s okay. Don’t let fun become a chore. But at the same time, don’t forget what it’s like to have fun. Recently, a spiritual mentor heard me talking about a good time in my life and asked: have you written that down? She pointed out that it can be tough to remember that God comes through, that fun is an act of praise, and that there are joyful moments in faith and life. When you write them down, you can go back to that list during a more difficult time in your life and remember.
But you don’t just remember that there was once fun in your life – that just feels insulting. Instead, remember that God has brought joy to your life before and God is faithful. Take time to reflect on fun things, exciting times, and joyful events so that you can be grateful but also hopeful. When we remember what God has done before, we are better prepared to watch for what God will do in the future.
Pray.
God, sometimes life feels too heavy. It’s so easy for me to forget the love, hope, and joy you bring to my life. Help me stay focused on your promises to sustain and uplift me. Carry me through this difficult season and bring me to a place of renewed trust and peace. Amen.
Carry On.
You know what to do – write down those fun and happy things! Keep the list someplace you can look back at it regularly and add to it.