Play Day

"Can I go out and play?" Every red-blooded kid (pre-1980's)

I get real tickled at the modern world we live in. There are so many things that are different for kids now, than when I was a child. For example, the National Football League is now running commercials encouraging kids to get out and play for 60 minutes a day. ... You've got to be kidding!

Back in the 1960's (the pre-Jurassic era, for those under the age of 30), being allowed to play only 60 minutes a day would have been considered a prison sentence. In fact, I have two vivid (and horrible) memories from my childhood. One was when I was about five years old and sick in bed - during the daylight hours! I could hear the other neighborhood kids outside playing a game we had invented ourselves, Frisbee volleyball. How this game never made it to Olympic competition is beyond me, but there I was, in bed, sick as a dog, and the only thing I could think about was missing being outstide and playing.

The other terrible incident came when I was about 8 or 9. I don't remember the year, but I remember the day - it was June 14th, my birthday! I had strep throat. I was permitted to get up for a few minutes to have a piece of Hershey Bar Cake and to play with my birthday gifts (a rubberband powered airplane and a croquet set, if I recall correctly). It was just long enough to infect everyone who came to my party, but not nearly long enough to enjoy my birthday. So there I was, in bed, while everyone else got to play. Pity me!!!

Now that I am older (51 years, 6 months and 7 days) I am much more mature. Last night, for example, I was getting over a cold. The other kids in town were going out to play basketball at the High School gym. When I was a kid, it would have been my Mom who had the task of telling me that I could not go out. But, I am not a kid anymore. I don't have to have a responsible adult tell me when it is unwise to go out and play. I am older now (as previously mentioned) and much more mature... so I went out and played basketball  :)

Life is good, is it not? I cannot wait for Heaven! I know that it will not be one giant play day, but I also know this: Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me, so it must be grand. The older I get, the more I long for this place. I long for the new body (sore knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, arms and back this morning) and I long for the presence of God. I don't deserve it - nobody does, but I long for it. And I know that I will be there, if I will just be faithful, for God has invited me. When I was a kid, I wouldn't have dreamed of missing out on one minute of joy, and I do not intend to miss out on the joy of Heaven. How about you?

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3, NIV