The Playground

A gorgeous fall day like today is meant to be spent outdoors. Tony had to work last night, so this morning while he was sleeping, I took the kids to the park to play and picnic. A little chilly at first, it warmed up to the perfect morning. There was swinging, sliding, running and laughing until we were all ready to sit down for some lunch.

Our table was next to a table with two families enjoying the day as much as we were. They had come to play and picnic too and there were more kids than I could count. I think between the two families there were maybe 8 kids...it was hard to count them as they ran around and keep an eye on my own kids at the same time. 

The park we were at is not the closest to our house, but it's one we really like. It has a small area suited for mini people like Kaylen and and a larger one for the big kids. The set has numerous slides, swings and plenty to keep a growing boy or girl challenged and on the move. Really, there is something for everyone, even small snugly babies. 

While we ate I couldn't help but notice one of the small kids at the other table. He didn't want to eat, he wanted to play and he was absolutely insistent that his dad get up and play too. Poor dad was trying to eat, and the child continued to bully and badger his dad to get up and do something. He yelled, he cried, he pulled and pushed. In spite of the huge play area and fun things he could have been doing, he focused on the one thing he couldn't do. 

We can be like this child too. Badgering God for what we want to be doing and all the while missing out on the huge playground He has already provided. You may be called to the ministry and are asking God to open doors, but are you ministering to those lost and lonely around you now? You may be called to the medical field, but are you offering hope and healing to the lost and dying who we cross paths with every day, who we park next to at the store, who we live next to in our neighborhood? Maybe you are a teacher, but are you teaching the love of God in your home? Are you cultivating minds that will grow up to share a Story that has the best ending ever written? Preparation for your future is essential, focus and determination a large part of being successful, but in the pursuit of your dreams are you seeing that your calling can be applied in the simplest of ways without ever a moment of training?

Even in my own job of raising my children and caring for my home, am I loving and caring for those around me? In my job of raising my children to love God, am I loving God by loving others? 

On a crisp clear day, a day meant for running with your arms flung wide whirling and twirling in childish abandon, a child cries for what he doesn't have and doesn't even know what he is missing. Is this you?