God is Playful

Summer is in full swing here in Coeur d’Alene, and there is no shortage of fun or ways to get out and play in God’s creation! Have you ever thought about God’s playfulness? After I came across it in a recent reading, I’ve been reflecting on that characteristic of God. It has caused me to pause and wonder. We see examples of God’s ​playfulness all over creation … the example shared in the reading was 

Kierstie Renninger

of koalas … cute and cuddly, they spend about 80% of their time sleeping, and the remaining time eating, and yet, they contribute very little to the food chain. ​Koalas, perhaps, exist in creation as a glimpse of God’s playfulness. Look at the beauty in a field of wildflowers, or the colors of a summer sunset, and imagine this as a “glimpse of God’s playfulness to beautifully adorn something just for the enjoyment of its aesthetic” (McCoy, p.27). God is creative. God is playful. God calls us to live in community, and one of the joys we can experience is the joy of playing together. I think it’s so important, even as adults, to tap into our own playfulness. My encouragement for all of us today is to get out and play! As we head into the summer, I’d like to share a prayer from one of my favorite authors, Kayla Craig.
​

A Prayer for Playing Together
Kayla Craig To Light Their Way

Spirit, ignite in us the gift of creativity.
Let us enter into the mess-making for in the markers and paints and paper scraps, we experience You in new ways.

Spirit, spark in us the gift of adventure.
Let us enter into the exploration of new kingdoms. For in the slaying of dragons and the meeting of fairies, we see Your wonder.

Spirit, breathe in us the gift of imagination. Let us enter into the building of sacred spaces for in the blanket forts and secret passages, we feel Your shelter.
​

Spirit, illuminate in us the gift of expression. Let us enter into the song and dance of our youth for in the symphonies of childhood, we hear Your glory. 

In Your wonder, in Your shelter, in Your glory, O God, help us to prioritize the good gifts of creativity, adventure, imagination,
and expression.

As we play with our children, be present with us, O God. As we make memories and forge bonds with our sons and daughters, who won’t be young forever,
we thank You for the deep joy of replacing grown-up schedules with the simple magic of  childhood.

In His Name, Kierstie