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Ecclesiastes 2:24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,
I love to observe and enjoy times of fun. Sometimes they are planned, like a party or fun outing. Sometimes these moments of fun are unexpected and even in the midst of a time of sadness. One night as Kristi (my wife) and I were enjoying an evening at Disneyland, we were walking by a crowd waiting for a parade. The parade route was lined with excited kids of all ages anticipating the fun and joy and wonder they were about to experience. Some had been snacking on a favorite treat, savoring every bite. Some were playing games to pass the time. Some were what seemed to be joking as great laugher erupted. Others were just relaxing in their place. Now, there were a few whose expressions were NOT showing they were in the happiest place on earth! One poor older woman looked downright mad as the kids next to her kept edging closer and closer, invading her space. However, what caught my eye was an older couple, a bit dressed up, sitting quietly on a park bench soaking in the joy and buzz of the gathered parade watchers. Just as I glanced over and admired the big smiles on their faces, a new song came over the loudspeakers. As the song played on, the man said something to what I guessed was his wife. He got up, and held out his hand to her. She smiled big and with a twinkle in her eye gently took hold of his hand and gracefully stood. He escorted her to the middle of the street and the two started to dance. The people around them started to cheer. They danced with even more passion, with whimsical expressions on their faces. It was pure joy! Yes, it was a bit crazy and some of their moves did not match their age! They were having a blast and so were all those who watched. They took the opportunity to be okay to have fun.
Honestly, life can get way too serious, yet truthfully, there are some horrible, deplorable, disgraceful and reprehensible things that happen in life. For those times, we do need to be serious and walk through them with wisdom and grace. However, there are times to have fun. Solomon, one of the wisest men that has ever lived, wrote this:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: …4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Life is full of moments to capture and experience and being a little crazy helps usher in some fun, even if it’s fun at work.
Ecclesiastes 3:13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
Some companies, in wanting to create an atmosphere of fun, get a little crazy and sponsor “Donut Day,” “Fun Friday Casual Dress Day,” “Hawaiian Day,” and more. I even heard of one company that brought in a taco cart, mariachis, and a full on Mexican fiesta, including a piñata! Because it’s okay to have fun.
See, these fun experiences make the heart glad and that is a good thing!
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
Yes, life is difficult, and our world is filled with awful happenings, yet there are, and can be, times to be okay to have fun. It might even help to endure those trying times. How could you step out and create some fun today?
Now, when some people think of church, they think the opposite of fun, but church can be fun…especially around Easter! If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together. We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Looking for opportunities to bring in fun along with you,
Mike McKay, Lead Pastor, Neighborhood Church
