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!

IT'S A FAIR!

Saturday morning we stopped by the Wayne County Fair for a couple of hours.  We wanted to support our local community; the fair was less than a mile from our home.  We also wanted to support our missionaries, who had a booth at the fair.

We enjoyed the barrel racing and draft horses (above) and the fruits and vegetables and flowers (below).

We especially enjoyed the Tractor Pull.  We had never heard of this event until our granddaughter from Minnesota won two tractor pulls in a row.  We think she wins because she has her own toy tractor with a wagon and she pulls her little sister around the house in it at amazing speeds. We took these pictures in her honor. 

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I always enjoy looking at animals and taking their pictures.  There were some very colorful roosters, noisy geese and adorable rabbits to keep me happy and my camera busy.

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Of course fun food is always a treat at the county fair.  Steven selected sauerkraut and a sausage for a taste of Slovakia.  I on the other hand couldn't resist the Scout in the taco costume, so I had a taco plate. We passed on the BBQ Chicken, even though it was amazing to see so much of it on the grill.  We had this dinner during the pageant and wanted to spread our wings (not chicken wings) and try something new. 

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But our very favorite spot at the fair was the booth sponsored and ran by our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Sister Brent and Sister Meaders were working at the booth when we stopped by. They had quite a group gathered around waiting their turn to shoot hoops and win a prize.  Those who hit seven out of seven baskets got a free DVD about Jesus Christ.  Hitting four baskets earned the contestants a free Book of Mormon, and everyone won a piece of candy and a picture for trying.  Of course, anyone was welcome to request a visit from our missionaries to bring them a message about Jesus Christ.

You can learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by visiting mormon.org.

Coming next week: The Palmyra Temple