Fun

I'm sitting in the study this morning, trying to type quietly as Rhett lays in his baby cot below snoring softly.  Figuring out which topics to discuss on this is rather difficult.  Too many things I could weigh in on.  Going to have to leave the majority of them for you to learn through experience, I guess.  Going to have to put my trust in God to lead you by his spirit along with the godly men and women he places in your lives.

One thing that does come to mind is the idea of balancing work/fun.  In a world like this where it seems there is always someone in need, we may think we should be working all the time to alleviate those needs.  Well, that is why the Lord designated 6 days for work out of 7.  Most of the time we should be working.  The idea of "retirement", where one does nothing but play golf and watch tv all day is ungodly.

We don't have to be pharisaichal about this.  There are times when it is appropriate to work through the sabbath (when it is unavoidable due to the need at hand), and times when it is ok to relax for more than one day at a time.  But these are exceptions to the general rule of life - work hard!  ...but save some time for rest/rejuvenation/worship.  It is also okay to work and rest/play in the same day.  We must not forget the intent behind God's weekly plan:

"The sabbath was made for man" - Jesus, Mark 2:27

God ordained a time to put up the work and rest joyfully in his presence.  Some may turn this into a labor in itself - you must do this and/or that to observe the sabbath correctly.  Don't fall into that error, or its opposite - being lazy and selfish, ignoring the call to worship with God's people.

Play is an acceptable form of rest/rejuvenation.  God delights in us delighting in his creation and our freedom.  As John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him".  A loving father wants his kids to have fun amongst all the work to be done.  Find whatever lifts your spirit and go enjoy it!

Be prudent about your choices - "all things are lawful for me", but not all things are helpful - 1 Cor 6:12, 10:23.  For example, choosing to spend all your time playing video games by yourself - fun, sure, but you'll get fat, vitamin-D deficient, and friendless : P and many video games have you practicing ungodly behavior within them anyway.  Make sure to balance fun with work responsibly and don't allow your spirit to lose its sense of wonder and passion!

I love you boys,

Dad