Wonderfully Created for Play

Back when I was young, I had a lot of hair. 

I also loved playing with Lego. It was my happy place. My friends and I would take it in turns reading the steps and building motorised helicopters, cars and trains together. Interestingly, the thrill of the building process was greater than the satisfaction of actually completing the model. They were great times of social connection and feelings of achievement. 

How do you unwind after a busy day? A nice walk, a puzzle, or maybe you like to chat with a group of friends. We’re all created to rest and play differently. The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve’s first full day on earth was a day of rest. They literally began their life on earth with a day of rest. No doubt on this day of rest they explored and enjoyed the Garden of Eden, a paradise that God had creatively and purposely made for them.

This week, students have been discovering how they and those around them have been ‘Wonderfully created for PLAY’. We give thanks for the numerous ways God has wired us to play, whether it’s playing to create, move, connect or explore. We are reminded that God's world is fully equipped and wonderfully created for us to find rest and joy in.

I’ve just read the book ‘The Anxious Generation’ and I highly recommend it to all parents. It states that “Experience, not information, is the key to emotional development. It is in unsupervised, child-led play where children best learn to tolerate bruises, handle their emotions, read other children’s emotions, take turns, resolve conflicts and play fair.” 

So how do your children play when they come home from school? Screens and structured activities often replace free, unstructured play and limit opportunities for exploration and social learning. As adults, we have a role in helping children reclaim the joy of spontaneous play that can involve running, imagining, climbing, and laughing together. Given a ‘screen’ is the common go to for children when given a period of unsupervised play time. Our challenge as parents is to accept that adult encouragement and involvement is often needed to promote these ‘play based childhood’ rhythms. 

Today, the way children play is changing. But the way we are created has not changed. Isaiah 64:8 reminds us that ‘We are the clay, you (God) are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.’ 

Next Wednesday, Primary students will take part in ‘The Play Date’ to celebrate the fact that our Kindness Meter is full (again!). On this day, students are encouraged to wear their sports uniform. During lunchtime, a variety of activities will be led by our Year Level Ambassadors for students to immerse themselves in. 

We pray that as our children engage in play, they experience the joy and freedom that God intended. May we as parents and educators model the importance of play and rest in our own lives and encourage our children to embrace the creativity and connection that comes with it. Let’s continue to celebrate and foster environments where our children can grow and discover the wonder of being ‘Wonderfully created for PLAY.’