In our fast-paced culture, particularly in Western society, we often equate our worth with our work. We work overtime, take on extra hours, and feel guilty if we pause to rest. This mindset can rob us of something essential—the joy of truly living.
The concept of a seven-day week, with six days of work and one day of rest, is deeply rooted in tradition. In the Genesis story of creation, we’re told that the Divine rested on the seventh day. While we’re not given specifics about what that rest entailed, the message is clear: rest is sacred and essential. It’s a model for us to follow. But rest isn’t just about stopping work; it’s also about embracing play and creating space to experience life more fully.
The Holiness of Play
When we think of play as a holiday—a holy day—it takes on a new significance. Play becomes a sacred act, an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, others, and the beauty of the world around us. It’s a chance to step out of our roles and routines and rediscover the joy of simply being.
Play can look different for everyone. It might be camping under the stars, strolling through a museum, enjoying a good book, or laughing over a board game with friends. It might be a walk in nature, not for the exercise but for the sheer pleasure of feeling the earth beneath your feet and the wind on your face. It might even be something as simple as watching the birds outside your window or savoring a slice of pizza on a quiet evening.
Creativity and Connection
Play taps into our innate creativity, a reflection of the divine image within us. It helps us see the world through fresh eyes and experience life in new ways. When we focus only on productivity, we can lose sight of the joy that sparked our passions in the first place. Athletes often begin their journeys for the love of the game, artists for the thrill of creating, and children for the sheer wonder of discovery. Over time, expectations and judgments can dampen that joy, but play invites us to reclaim it.
Think back to childhood, when you danced without worrying if you were good at it, sang at the top of your lungs, and explored the world with wide-eyed curiosity. Somewhere along the way, many of us were told we weren’t good enough at certain things, and we stopped trying. But the truth is, life is not about being good or bad at something; it’s about finding delight in the act itself.
Permission to Play
Even in the simplest moments, play can be transformative. My parents, now in their 90s, recently shared how much fun they had on a day that included nothing more than a trip to the grocery store and enjoying a pizza together. They described it as a playful day—a reminder that joy doesn’t require elaborate plans or grand adventures. It’s often found in the ordinary moments when we allow ourselves to simply enjoy life.
For me, one of my favorite ways to play is through games. Every Wednesday night, I gather with friends to play Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder. It’s a chance to imagine, create, and laugh together. The game isn’t about winning or losing; it’s about the joy of connection and creativity.
Embracing the Gift of Life
Life is a gift. It’s a precious, beautiful opportunity to experience awe, wonder, and joy. And just as the Divine rested, we are invited to find our own holy days—moments of play, relaxation, and delight. Whether it’s a single day each week or an extended holiday, carving out time to play is essential for our well-being.
So, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: When was the last time you played? When was the last time you laughed, danced, or simply enjoyed the moment without any agenda? If it’s been a while, give yourself permission to play. Let go of the idea that everything must have a purpose or outcome. Instead, embrace the joy of simply being.
Remember, you are infinitely precious and unconditionally loved just as you are. This life is your gift. Live it fully, and don’t forget to have a little fun along the way.
Infinitely Precious 