Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Dearest God,

How wonderful is play, especially with grandchildren. I have often thought that you made grandchildren so we could remedy mistakes with our children.

You made me a hard worker, a person who could start work early and end late. I have worked all my life whether in my vocation or the many projects I do. When I was a single mother with three young children, I went to college and then to seminary. I worked as a nanny housekeeper and a house cleaner. I labored long on studies so I could do well. Those years are a blur. I missed spending time with my children.

My trip back home to Indiana is intended to be a play time with children and grandchildren. Today we played 'Go Fish'. I mean how many times in a row can you play 'Go Fish'? We played consecutive times asking for stingrays, angelfish, crab, and hammerhead sharks. I actually won a couple of rounds. We had so much fun.

I hold my grandchildren. I tickle them. I tease them and make up songs. I dance and do funny things in the store. They laugh, beg me to stop, and ask me to do it again. Every moment is spent playing.

I've come to the conclusion that play is the balance to work. If I work too long and fail to play, I get grouchy, irritable, and unfun. I never have to worry about failing to work but I do have to be aware of myself when I go days without playing.

I know you are the author of play. I know you are the source of joy that comes from play. I know you are the energy of fun that blends into the soul opening doors and windows to the light. I know you are the guide to recreation that unclutters, rids debris, and generally lightens the soul. I know you are in the middle of all good stuff!

O God,
Creator of All That is Good,
how I marvel
at your work.
You are
pure joy,
pure love,
and pure grace.
For all
these reasons,
I love you.

Forever yours, Andrea