Don't Forget to Play in the Leaves

Last Saturday, I did something that I hadn't done in ages (well, not for awhile, anyway): I played in the leaves! I took a walk in a park across from my brother and sister-in-laws), to mainly take pictures of the trees. I also decided to have some fun, and I sat down, and I played with/in the leaves. Did I feel a foolish? Yes, a bit. Did I care, not one bit! Why? Because I wanted to have some fun, and take a break from "adulting", and to be a kid again.

Yes, I have a lot of "me time", probably more than is normal, but even in my "me time", I tend to do things that are "adult-approved". I sit and drink coffee, read, shop, maybe take a walk (ha!), take pictures, well, you get the picture. But when was the last time that YOU played in the leaves, danced in the rain, walked (biked, drove) through puddles, built a snowman/fort, picked wild flowers, watched a "kids' show", caught snowdrops on your tongue, coloured, made a gingerbread house? And, although you probably do those with your kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews (which are also fun to do, and very important), when was the last time that you did something "childish" on your own (or even with your spouse)? It has probably been awhile.

In a world where we are "supposed to" act like an adult (and we should most of the time!), it is so easy to forget the simple and fun things in life. The world is changing, people are changing, WE are changing, and that's ok! We have responsibilities, we have worries, we have a life! But guess what? It is also ok to just sit back and "be". It is ok to reflect on what made your childhood fun, what things you enjoyed while growing up. Don't become "too adult". Don't forget who you once were. Jesus said "Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3. Jesus is basically saying to not give up our innocence in the craziness that is life. Remember to have fun, remember to do what makes you happy, and gives you joy. It's ok to not be the "responsible" adult sometimes! Of course, this does NOT mean any abusive or destructive behaviour to yourself or others :) I AM saying, though, to get out there and have some good ol'-childlike fun. Do something with joyful abandon! Heaven knows, you deserve and need it!