I am linking up for Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung on her blog Heading Home. Today’s prompt is “Play.” It’s been so good to get back. I’ve missed you all! We’d love to have you join us on Thursday nights for our Twitter party. Don’t forget to check out FMF’s new home at http://fiveminutefriday.com.
In college, I aduitioned for the Diary of Anne Frank. One of my professors; the director had me pegged as Anne Frank’s mom from the very beginning. And it was the role I was cast in. Image me….a kind hearted person who hardly ever gets mad playing Anne’s mom; the complete opposite. Throughout the play, I had to raise my voice. In theater, one must become the character one portrays. It often can be a challenge; a challenge that one is glad to work towards.
Challenges can happen in many and various ways. Last week, I challenged myself to climb to the top of the mountain. It was something I worked towards for the last year. I didn’t quite make it to the very top. But I came so so close. There is something so holy about being in the Rocky Mountains. A freedom unlike any other.
A friend always encourages us to play while we are in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. “Get out and play!” I always strive to do just that. At Lilly Lake, I come around the bend and am stopped in my tracks as I see ducks sunning themselves in the grass. One even lets me get so close that I get an amazing picture. The wildlife loves to play outside too. You might spot some longhorned sheep, or a moose or an elk.
The children play on the swingset outside our meeting hall. One by one they climb up the long staircase to the top and slide down the slide. They request to be pushed higher and higher. They stand around the campfire and roast marshmallows and make s’mores for all the gathered guests. The simplicity of it all is such a beautiful gift.*
Laughter and conversation fill the air. The strum of the guitar vibrates through the air. The beauty of God’s creation set before us. The stars scattered to and fro. It is in holy moments like this when I am reminded that God created the world by saying “It was good” because God wants us to experience it all and play in his amazing creation.
*Where my five minutes stopped
Such a wonderful painting in words, Tar, and I think even the duck appreciates it.
I was a gentle and kindhearted, cooperative person as well…and many times I was pegged as The Enforcer.
It puzzled me – in that organization you did NOT question a tasking – until it was explained that the best Enforcers are those who hate what they are doing, and do it with the most compassion possible.
Wow! Thank You!
God has indeed given us an amazing playground!
Indeed!
Good morning! I am visiting from Five Minute Friday. Love your descriptions of all the simple yet playful activities around in the open air. I agree with my whole heart God wants us to dive in deep to this life He gave, experience its joys and pains and not forget to play. Have a blessed day!
Thank You! May you have a blessed day too!
The simplicity of it all is such a beautiful gift.*
Yes! Yes! Yes! Once again, we’re back to writing similar thoughts. Simple play is the best! I’m somewhere in the link up, I think #32. A new blog, and a new picture but the same old me 🙂
We did write along similar lines this week. Simple play is indeed the best!
I can picture the laughing Jesus chasing children around and around.
Me too!
Play is so open ended without the same expectations as work. I love to play.
Me too!
Absolutely love this uplifting post, friend. It blooms my spirit open! I remember the first time I saw elk. I was visiting Estes Park. I stared at them for a good long time. I was wrapped in four layers of clothes (no shame). It was so cold and absolutely majestic. Thank you for sharing your adventure. xxx #fmf
Wow! Thanks friend!
Love the idea of God’s beautiful creation being our playground!
Thanks!
I loved this Tara, You words were so descriptive, I could picture myself there. I hope you have a lovely weekend!
Thank You!
Nature is my favorite kind of playground! What a great post! Thank you for sharing! Happy Friday to you!
Mine too! Thank You!
Yes, it is so important to remember that God gave use these things and that he wants us to play and enjoy all his gifts.
Yes!
What amazes me most about creation is that it’s just a shade, just a splash, of what’s to come when Christ returns and all is set to rights. I’ve seen such breathtaking beauty that I can’t even imagine what God will do to top it. But He will!
You’re so right. He will indeed top it!
I read this and smile! You my friend are loved! 🙂
And you too!
Wonderful post. So true that God has given to us an amazing playground to enjoy. I’m linked up next to you in the #6 spot. Blessings!
Thanks! Blessings to you too!
Tara,
this was delightful! I would so enjoy hiking the Rockies with you someday. We’ll have to make plans. Although, lol, I don’t imagine the Rockies running through North Dakota. I’ve missed you, friend.
Love,
Tammy
(#62 this week)
That would be awesome! But you are right…no Rockies in ND! We do have the beautiful Badlands though. I’ve missed you too friend!
I appreciate this reminder about God’s creation and how He longs for us to play and enjoy what He has made. I can imagine Adam and Eve doing just that in the garden.
Ooh I like that.
i enjoyed hearing about your play outside in the mountains:) blessings!
Thanks! Blessings to you too!
It sounds like you had a refreshing time of holy play in CO!
Indeed I did!