New Reminders: Recreation
by Ardith Hoff
When we hear the word “recreation” we think of activities done for enjoyment when one is not working. Some people picture "athletic and recreation facilities" while others picture things done for pleasure, relaxation, enjoyment, fun or even entertainment. Whatever we do in our leisure time or dream of doing, if we had more time, fits under the broad umbrella of recreation. But what does the word really mean? Just looking at the word itself should tell us. Re-creation literally means to recreate, refresh and renew one’s body, mind and spirit though exercise, pleasure, or diversion from one’s usual activities. Seeing picturesque scenery while on vacation lifts our spirits and gives us something to talk about other than our everyday lives. Playing games of any kind, just for fun, exercises our bodies and/or minds in new ways. Solving riddles and doing crossword puzzles or even putting jigsaw puzzles together are recommended ways to keep our minds sharp and alert.
When God created mankind, he also gave us “dominion over all the earth and everything in it.” He wisely provided reasons for us to get up in the morning to do the work he has laid out for us to do. Our jobs are there to help us accomplish what needs to be done to keep the world functioning as intended. God also knew that “man does not live by bread alone.” Meaning that earning “our daily bread.” (work) is not all there is to life. Mark 6:31 states: “And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” That tells us that recreation includes time for rest and relaxation. Ecclesiastes 3:13 Also tells us that “everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.” Proverbs 5:18-19 also alludes to pleasure: “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” And finally, “Let your heart be merry.” Judges 19:6
God created life to be enjoyed not endured. While there are difficulties in life that we cannot steer away from, remember, we all have the power to choose joy. When we find ourselves feeling down and out, we know that God has not only sanctioned recreation, He encourages it, but not to the exclusion of the work we are to do in His name and for His glory.