I Really Should Have More Fun

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:11-12 (NIV)

This really spoke to me this morning.  I had to ask myself “Why is it so hard for me to stop working and just have fun?”  I remember when my daughter was younger and living at home.  I made it a point to STOP working and just spend time doing things with her.  We had fun – it may have seemed like more work to others – the endless competitions and practices for cheering, the traveling all over but I enjoyed it.  I left work at work (or home) and just had fun.  I wasn’t worried about checking my phone constantly for messages or to see what was happening.  So what happened?

Other people have no trouble doing this. They look for any reason to drop the dust rags, ditch the dirty laundry, turn off the computer, and head to the park! Or the movies. Or a hike. Laughing all the way.  I wish I were more like that.

On Sundays, I always blog about Relax, Reflect, Recharge but in reality this is NOT a day that I turn off my phone or my computer to just enjoy the blessings that I have been given.  I know in today’s world, work schedules vary and  yes, sometimes I do have to work on Sunday.  I mean that isn’t so bad since hubby is off on Monday and Tuesday.  The problem comes when on Monday and Tuesday – I don’t unplug and just have fun.  This past week, I did that – Rob and I had lunch out and then went to the movies.  I had fun!  I am looking forward to the warmer weather so that we can take those walks around the lake or on the boardwalk and I can “unplug”.

I’m pretty sure this all-work-no-play routine wasn’t the life Jesus intended me to live as one of His disciples. Carrying the weight of burdens that aren’t mine to carry. Choosing to interact with a computer screen rather than being with people.

This is a truth my idea of loving others is often shown by doing things for them. But some people feel loved when I simply spend time with them. And for some, that time needs to be a little less task-oriented and a lot more laughter-filled.  SMACK!

So, here is my challenge: To be intentional about having fun. To initiate getting together with others. To say yes when invited. To stretch outside my comfort zone. And to relax about the details.  I LOVE this challenge and it probably will be the hardest one for me.  I need to remember that  “Work will always be there — but the people might not be”.  God has a pretty good handle on managing the world. I can leave that job to Him while I grab a loved one and make a lasting memory instead of checking something off my to-do list.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!