God's Love at Play

 


For my money, this is the very best Valentine’s Day yard art currently in place on the planet. Or at least in my neighborhood. But honestly, does anything come even close to conveying the idea of love as well as a dinosaur holding a heart that says, “You’re Sweet”? Exactly. I think not. You’re welcome.
There is something very joyful and humorous and life-giving in this strange holiday offering. The playfulness of it really sets it a part from the field. I’m certain that is why I like it so much, the playfulness of it. Sometimes love gives us a brief respite from seriousness and the darkness of the world.
Mokokoma Mokhonoana writes that, “Our seriousness prevents us from enjoying the circus of life.” I like the ring of truth in these words. Life is a circus, no matter how we play it, so why don’t we at least enjoy the fun that life brings along the way? Why don’t we let love take us to the humor in even the most awkward of situations?
Jesus taught that if we want to catch a glimpse of the kingdom of God, we must become like a little child. I believe that means we must be open and trusting. I also like to think that includes a little joy and playfulness. Gottfried Benn writes, “Whoever wants to understand much must play much.” I have found that to be true.
On this Valentine’s Day, why not find our own dinosaur with a heart that reads, “You’re Sweet?” Or better yet, why not give our dragon away? Why not have a little fun and be a little playful? God loves us all, and in spite of the pain and darkness around us, there are moments when that love shines through. May we never take ourselves so seriously that we miss such moments. May we never take others so for granted that we rob them of their moments.
Take some time to be playful today. No telling what we may learn. We might even catch a glimpse of God’s love in our play.
Peace.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

God is at Work

Image
In the early morning I was struck with this image. It seems to have it all. Green leaves. Red leaves. Clouds. Blue sky. The cross high and lifted up to the sky. It seemed to me that there was the stuff of several good photos in this one place and at one time. So I took the picture. Life is like that more often than not, isn't it? Good and bad. Happy and sad. Calm and chaos. Peace and turmoil. The season of Advent and the celebration of Christmas acknowledges this reality. The people of old resigned to their fate, yet hoping in the future. John the Baptist bringing the good news that the time had come, yet thundering away at one and all. Mary afraid, yet faithful. A baby is born that changes everything, yet the world remains still weary and violent. But, in the midst of all this, in the midst of the whiplash of everyday life, God is at work. God is present. God is calling. In all of it. In every bit of it. Through it all, God is with us. During these holidays, when joy can be mixed
Read more

Quiet Surprises

Image
This little friend decided to pause and stare at me as long as I was willing to pause and stare at him. It was a beautiful moment of silence and calm and peace. I'm not sure how long we enjoyed each other's presence, but it seemed like quite a good while. I sensed no fear at all in this deer. Of course, I was on his turf and was armed with only my phone. I was driving when I spotted him, so I pulled over and parked. I thought he would rush back into the woods before I could take a photograph. What a pleasant surprise it was. Sometimes surprises burst into our life loud and big, like a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" at a surprise party or in a humming crowd at some huge event. But at other times, surprises slip into our consciousness, subtle and understated. A deer at the edge of the woods. A card with words of love when you need it most. The smile of a friend long missed. A feeling of peace when life is anything but peaceful. In fact, it may be that those quiet
Read more

Live Out Loud

Image
This is one big Woodpecker! I was visiting some friends who live in the mountains and saw this bird right outside the window as I sat in my chair and read. It is a Pileated Woodpecker, a bird that grows to be up to 19 inches long with a wing span of 30 inches, weighing 14 pounds. I still feel the same excitement when I see one today as I did as a boy. They are spectacular creatures. I'm sure that one reason I like them so much is that they remind me of Woody Woodpecker, a favorite cartoon of my boyhood. But another reason they catch my eye is they seem so strong and self-assured. They carry themselves with a sense of confidence. When they go to work on a tree, they are loud and proud. When they swoop in and out through the woods, they own the airspace. These beautiful birds live out loud. I have a feeling that when we live out loud, we might exude that same kind of confidence. When we know who we are, and more importantly, who we want to be, it shows. Not in bravado or arrogance, b
Read more