Playgrounds
I loved playing on playgrounds as a child. I always climbed the monkey bars and loved swinging on the swings as high as possible before jumping off. I enjoyed pretending with my friends, playing house or going into the woods to look for roly polys. I was the one that went climbing up the slide first and irritating everyone that wanted to come down. Sliding down was always the best part though.
As an adult, I continued loving playgrounds with my kids. I would pretend to be a monster and chase the kids all around. We would get as many kids as possible and play hide and seek. I remember going to Charleston 2 years ago and playing for hours with my niece. We got worn out, but had fun enjoying the day together.
I see so many parents that want to have time on their own away from their kids. They want time to relax and let loose. I just want to encourage parents and grandparents…Enjoy time playing on the playground with your kids and grandkids. It gives you a good excuse to act young too. Enjoy playing pretend with them, teaching them about nature, getting good exercise with them, and sharing fun days exploring. The younger generation needs us pouring into them and having fun with them. Their youth is fleeting and one day they will be grown and we can never get that time back.
Jesus was the best example. He actually wanted to spend time with the children. He even scolded the disciples when they didn’t want the kids to bother Him. He wanted to invest in them and enjoyed their innocence. He wanted us to be like the children and trust Him as easily and the children did.
I wonder what Jesus’ playground looked like.
Marik 10:13,14 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
Lord, sometimes it isn’t easy to spend time with our children. We have so many responsibilities, and the days are too short. Show us ways to take time to be with them, play with them and enjoy playground time.