A TIME TO PLAY

In Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 we learn, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven," including " . . .a time to laugh."  To me this scripture is talking about balance and a healthy mental and physical lifestyle.  As full time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we work very hard and we love our work.  For 18 months we are serving our Savior, Jesus Christ, full time as His representatives and we don't take any time for vacations.  However, we do have one day a week called a "Preparation Day."  We can use this day to take care of personal needs, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.  We can also use the time for cultural and recreational activities.  Today was our Preparation Day.  Our family from Oregon came to visit us. (Yes seniors, your family can come visit you while you are on your mission, so come on out and serve!)  We decided to go to the Strong Museum of Play.

I am a big advocate of play.  I think it is one of the healthiest things we do as humans, and for children, play is their work.  As a trained educator in Early Childhood Education, I am sometimes dismayed at the trouble some children have in being able to enjoy good old fashioned play.  To find good ideas about how important creative play is go to my blog post for American Mothers.

We had a great time playing with our grandkids from Oregon.  This museum is wonderful,  I recommend it for all ages!  Below are some pictures of our day at the museum and some wonderful quotes about the importance of play.

"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning."

Diane Ackerman, Contemporary American Author

"It is a happy talent that knows how to play."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Writer

"A child loves his play not because it's easy, but because it's hard."

Benjamin Spock

See my Superhero rescue my grandson!

"Almost all creativity involves purposeful play."

Abraham Maslow, American Psychologist

The Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden is amazing and I fulfilled a lifelong dream, I got to see a Morpho Butterfly!  Unfortunately, they didn't land for long so I didn't get a picture, but I enjoyed watching them.

The fish were fun to watch too!

About a year ago, one of our 12 Apostles, Elder David A. Bednar gave an address to some college students titled, "Things as They Really Are."  He was admonishing young adults, but really all of us, to take care that we participate in real world activities with real people (adult play).  He said, " . . .all of us can find enjoyment in a wide range of wholesome, entertaining, and engaging activities."  He continued, " Sadly, [people] today ignore 'things as they really are' and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value."  This is an excellent address and I highly recommend it for everyone. 

And don't forget, go out and have some fun!