The God of Play Brings Joy
A Reflection by Maureen Gerecke
I have always been one who never wanted to miss anything. Anything fun, that is, even going so far as to create a system for myself so that I wouldn’t miss anything. I would look at the list of community events on social media and jot down every possible event I could attend that would bring me joy. That is my measuring device. The experience must bring me joy. For me, that means an art show or open studio event, a theater production, movie, lunch with friends, an art class, a shopping outing downtown, a visit to a lavender farm, tulip gardens, music festival, parade, a retreat, a drive to Lake Tahoe or a craft fair. My calendar and life are always full of possibilities in the area of play and entertainment, and most are at low or no cost. I often volunteer as an usher so I can see a play for free or volunteer for security for a few hours and get a day pass to a music festival. God seems to provide so many opportunities to participate in to share light and love and joy with others.
I can’t say that I actually get to everything I have on my calendar, because I do spend time in discernment each week, narrowing down the best choices and deciding who might enjoy which event before I start contacting friends or family members to join me. I try not to be attached to any event so I can be flexible right up to the day without letting down someone that I have made a commitment to. I do spend time in prayer every day around how the rest of my day will look. I ask God what I am to do each day to love and serve others and to stay open to the Spirit’s presence in the moment.
I usually invite a friend to share my fun outings, but sometimes no one is available. I make a point to go anyway. I am usually pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy just being by myself, particularly savoring the time alone with Spirit. There is so much freedom and peace in those moments. I make joy a high priority because it feeds my soul and fills me with gratitude. And gratitude spills over into every part of my life and touches those around me.
As I practice Ignatius Spirituality, I am learning how to pay attention more to my feelings and experiences every day. I notice what brings me joy and what doesn’t. I learn to pace myself and keep my life balanced with work and play. It is a dance with the Divine every day as I seek to grow closer to God and live fully. I now know that I can’t possibly miss anything anymore. I am always right where I am meant to be. God is my best friend and playmate, and I am truly never alone.
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