Summer-Time Fun!
"Summer-Time Fun!"
Summer-time fun
Splashing in the sun
Where do we go in this heat?
Let's look for some water,
Then make like the otter,
And build us a castle in the reef!
We'll sleep by the bay
Swim and fish through the day
At summer's end our tanned hides will weep.
For we have to go back
To those jumpers and slacks
To the school books and boring routines.
But for now let's enjoy
The heat and water toys,
Let's splash, play, and swim in the deep!
Scriptures: The streets of the city
Shall be full of boys and girls
Playing in its streets. Zechariah 8:5
So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15
Devotional:
Did you know that God actually commands us to enjoy ourselves? This is an ever-evolving realisation for me. One summer during our RV travels I declared it "the Summer of Salley.” I was so involved in the work of life on the road and becoming a missionary, that fun seemed a foreign concept. It seems a little sad in retrospect, but I had to make a deliberate effort to obey God on His command for us to enjoy our lives.
Facebook is the highlight reel.
Facebook is the highlight reel. You know what I mean. You see picture after picture of people living their amazing lives, travelling the world, doing things you may or may not have dreamed of doing. You see their DIY home, their adorable little dog, and their perfect family photos (Side
Note: I’m a big fan of the not-so-perfect family photos, but I digress).
In short, oftentimes people assume that living a life on the road must be glamorous. The truth: I have all of the challenges of being a mommy to three very energetic boys and a go-getter husband, while attempting to create some sort of home life while travelling every few days or weeks. God is good and gracious in helping me with the task, but I can assure you missionary life often feels anything but glamorous!
Never-the-less, I was determined to enjoy our life on the road as much as possible as God was teaching me to slow down and enjoy each moment and season. So, I asked the boys what they wanted to do this particular summer. Their first response was an energetic, "Swim!" Followed by, "SWIM A LOT!”
I made it my prayer and priority to find as many swimming holes, pools, lakes, and beaches as possible en route to wherever the Lord was leading. it really became an amazing summer, and my kids still talk about some of the water holes we found during that trip.
Play and fun are languages that come natural to our children. However, as adults we must consciously look for ways to add fun to our daily routines.
This is what Solomon was talking to us about. He reflected on his life and in all of his wisdom he said that he would recommend that we enjoy ourselves. It was this joy that would carry us through our labor.
Work hard, pray hard, but then play hard.
Work hard, pray hard, but then play hard. Rest and enjoyment are such a crucial part of balancing our lives. What are you doing to add fun and spice to your life today?
Questions for Thought:
Without comparison to other friends or family, what can you do to have fun today, this week, or during this season? If it is hard for you to remember to have fun, then make an action plan of fun for the day and weeks ahead.