Raspberry Kisses
Is it true that “the family that prays together, stays together”? I’ve witnessed families who pray together split apart, and families who don’t pray or even go to church together stay together. Why? Well, have you ever heard the family who plays together, stays together? It occurred to me that those who play together are more likely to stay together.
If a family’s prayer life is primarily motivated by religious duty and pride, then the family is merely going through the motions and will most likely not develop deep relationships with each other or with God. What is a family without relationship? And I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Well, I’m sure all prayer and no play is the same, and who wants to be around a dull boy?
While not all families who play together play nice, most families who play together generally learn and tend to practice things like patience, teamwork, yielding to one another by taking turns, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, and love. Families who play together usually have fun and enjoy one another. When parents play with their children and with each other, they are saying, “I love spending time with you. I enjoy being with you. You’re fun to hang out with. You’re worth my time.”
So am I saying praying together isn’t important? Oh no! Not at all! Families who pray together out of a genuine love and concern for each other, as well as those outside of family, are more likely to build relationships, not to mention reap spiritual benefits. And I believe they are more likely to play together, enjoy each other, and stay together, too!
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
So get out there, make merry, heal a broken spirit, and build richer relationships! Go play!
Rene Yoshi
May 7th, 2013 at 11:08 am
Well said; Playing is not only the foundation of youth, but also the Fountain of Youth.
Zec.8: 3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.
May 7th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Thank you, Randell! 🙂
May 7th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Thank you for this! Should never be too busy to play with our children.
May 7th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Yes, while we cannot possibly play with them at their every whim, taking the time to play with and enjoy them, assures them that they are loved and not an inconvenience. Thank you, Especially Made! 🙂
May 8th, 2013 at 10:31 am
Sweets, I totally agree! I’m glad you shared this, and that great pic.
Our family doesn’t play together as much as we used to, but we try.
hugs, g.
May 8th, 2013 at 10:39 am
Hey g! It’s more difficult when our kids are teens and have busy schedules. Even if we can’t ‘play’ per se, just spending some time together can help us stay connected. I think having a meal together at least once a day if possible can help, but we seem to have let that go in our country and in this generation. I have a lot of respect for you concerning your heart for kids and teens and how you spend time with your grandchildren. I love the photo of you reading to them. 🙂
May 13th, 2013 at 1:32 am
Absolutely! Playfulness at my age takes practice. You gotta do it or you lose it!
May 13th, 2013 at 8:30 am
Absolutely! Especially when we get down on the floor and have to get back up, right? LOL
May 14th, 2013 at 8:25 am
When one plays, one lets go of himself and the spirit is set free! Play is one of life’s greatest gifts!
May 14th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
I agree! Thank you! 🙂
April 9th, 2014 at 12:14 am
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