Nothing is better than play time, and no one can convince me otherwise. I truly believe that the best way to build a relationship and get a daily dose of laughter is through play. In this blog, The Theology of Play, I want to explore the deeper connections behind playing.
The ancient philosopher Plato once said, “you can learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” If an infamous Greek philosopher says something, then it must be true, right?
Just in case you don’t believe Plato, I’ll provide some more up-to-date information. The Theology of Play actually has an entire book dedicated to the psychology behind the methods. The Association for Play Therapy is an international organization devoted to applying the “therapeutic power of play.” You can visit their website here: http://www.a4pt.org/
Additionally, I intend to have a stem of religious elements tied into the very end of each blog. Those of you who still have questions about your faith, as I certainly do at times, do not let this turn you away. It has just been a big surprise to me how much play is mentioned in the Bible, and I believe there is significance behind the scripture that can be pertinent in life.
I invite you to step into this blog without too serious of an outlook and find some new ways to discover your inner child with me.
This first post is inspired by middle schoolers. I know, it sounds a little ridiculous, but it is true. It is as true as they are. In their pure form, open-minded and ready to play at the drop of a hat. Allow me to explain.
I am a member of the Presbyterian Youth Council (PYC) for Western North Carolina. I get to hang out with middle schoolers at certain events we plan and put on through the year for them. We just finished our annual fall weekend at Camp Grier. That. in fact, brought me to this blog idea, because we played… a lot.
The weekend was a prime example of what this blog is intended to be all about: the Theology of Play. Through the middlers and my fellow leaders of PYC, I truly saw the value of play. Recreation was creating friendships, memories, and content souls in every corner of Old Fort, North Carolina.
Whether the kids were playing a simple four-square game or going on an entire camp scavenger hunt, they did it with jovial love. The connections made sparked a wistful yearning in me to return to the days where the pressures of the world had not quite hit.
Then, I had an epiphany. I can! So I joined into the games and relearned to love acting silly with my family. A family that was created through common delight in recreation.
For now, this blog in a creative platform to share the true meaning behind games and the shared trust that is developed through play. I plan to disclose specifics of certain games, activities, crafts, dances, and other comradery-building recreation, along with hints on how to lead them and play with your ‘fun family,’ whoever that might be.
Psalm 33:3 says, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” We were made to play!
The ancient philosopher Plato once said, “you can learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” If an infamous Greek philosopher says something, then it must be true, right?
Just in case you don’t believe Plato, I’ll provide some more up-to-date information. The Theology of Play actually has an entire book dedicated to the psychology behind the methods. The Association for Play Therapy is an international organization devoted to applying the “therapeutic power of play.” You can visit their website here: http://www.a4pt.org/
Additionally, I intend to have a stem of religious elements tied into the very end of each blog. Those of you who still have questions about your faith, as I certainly do at times, do not let this turn you away. It has just been a big surprise to me how much play is mentioned in the Bible, and I believe there is significance behind the scripture that can be pertinent in life.
I invite you to step into this blog without too serious of an outlook and find some new ways to discover your inner child with me.
This first post is inspired by middle schoolers. I know, it sounds a little ridiculous, but it is true. It is as true as they are. In their pure form, open-minded and ready to play at the drop of a hat. Allow me to explain.
I am a member of the Presbyterian Youth Council (PYC) for Western North Carolina. I get to hang out with middle schoolers at certain events we plan and put on through the year for them. We just finished our annual fall weekend at Camp Grier. That. in fact, brought me to this blog idea, because we played… a lot.
The weekend was a prime example of what this blog is intended to be all about: the Theology of Play. Through the middlers and my fellow leaders of PYC, I truly saw the value of play. Recreation was creating friendships, memories, and content souls in every corner of Old Fort, North Carolina.
Whether the kids were playing a simple four-square game or going on an entire camp scavenger hunt, they did it with jovial love. The connections made sparked a wistful yearning in me to return to the days where the pressures of the world had not quite hit.
Then, I had an epiphany. I can! So I joined into the games and relearned to love acting silly with my family. A family that was created through common delight in recreation.
For now, this blog in a creative platform to share the true meaning behind games and the shared trust that is developed through play. I plan to disclose specifics of certain games, activities, crafts, dances, and other comradery-building recreation, along with hints on how to lead them and play with your ‘fun family,’ whoever that might be.
Psalm 33:3 says, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” We were made to play!