Having Fun
But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin…. Matthew 17:27
Sometimes we forget to have fun. We get so caught up in jobs, kids, planning, health issues etc., that we don’t laugh and play. Perhaps we should be more like Him. In His humanity, I envision that even Jesus was able to have some giggles and even belly laughs. Jeanne Blackmer (Mornings with Jesus) shares some of Jesus’s sense of humor.
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One night, during a vacation with other couples, we played a football tournament. We giggled like kids as we clumsily twisted the metal rods affixed with soccer-like players, “kicking” a little ball back and forth, trying to score or block goals. It had been a long time since I had laughed so hard. God created us to play, and I don’t think He wants that to lessen with age. But as life gets serious, playfulness can diminish; I know mine does.
When I read the story of the tax collectors who confronted Peter about paying taxes, I noted a playful side to Jesus. When asked if Jesus paid taxes, Peter said, “Yes,” then went to talk to Jesus. Before Peter could speak, Jesus answered his question. I imagine this had to make Peter smile. Jesus affirmed He would pay the taxes, and to prove it He sent Peter on a fishing excursion. Jesus told him to throw in his line and open the mouth of the fish he caught to find the money he owed to the tax collectors. Sounds like a playful game to me—a strategically, uniquely designed, amusing activity for the fisherman. Perhaps Peter even laughed out loud when he opened the mouth of the fish.
Life is not all fun and games, but this story shows I need to create space for play in my life. So, we’ll definitely plan a few more noncompetitive football games—or maybe I’ll do a little fishing.
Faith Step: Reflect on Jesus’s interaction with Peter in Matthew 17:24-27, then plan a playful activity today.
It is okay to giggle and laugh your way through this song! It might do you a world of good.
Father God, thank You for the gift of laughter. Teach us to relax and have fun. When life is so serious, nudge us with Your humor. AMEN.