Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World
Day 205 – Fun
Scripture focus: To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them. Luke 8:18 NLT
I have a suggestion for how to improve your receptivity to the voice of God. This will improve your ability to step as God speaks. Put on your sneakers, go out and play. You heard me. Put down the daily devotional and go play. But before you run out and bust out a rousing game of badminton – learn why this advice is sound.
“When we play, we are stretching our emotional expressive ranges. Play brings laughter, referred to as “internal jogging” (by Normal Cousins) because it literally lets peptides flow. It releases an instant flood of feel-good chemicals that boost the immune system. Almost instantaneously, it reduces levels of stress hormones. For example, a really good belly laugh can make cortisol drop by 39%, adrenaline by 70% and endorphin increase by 29%. It can even make growth hormones skyrocket by 87%! Other research shows how laughter boosts your immune system by increasing levels of gamma interferon which protects against respiratory infections. Having fun through play is the cheapest, easiest and most effective way to control toxic thoughts and emotions and their toxic stress reaction. You need to find appropriate forms of exercise that increase your heart rate. Increased blood flow nourishes and cleanses the brain and organs. If you break into a sweat, you will also get the added benefit of mood improvement prompted by the release of endorphins.” Who Switched Off My Brain? pp. 128-130
I love the phrase – “keep it simple” – and the spiritual disciplines have a rhythm of grace that is both simple and profound. Eating properly and play time are spiritual disciplines. Both acknowledge the precious priority we give to the temple that houses our spirit – the human body.
It’s summer – a perfect time to not only feast on fresh veggies but also set aside time to splash in the pool, play some tennis, hit a golf ball, ride go karts, roller blade, walk in the woods, ride a bike, take a motorcycle ride in the mountains, walk on the beach, fish, picnic, go to the petting zoo, water ski, jog beside the James River…and more! If your spiritual life feels stale, take it outside and give it some fresh air!
Recommended reading: 2 Chronicles 7 and 8 in the morning; Romans 9 and Proverbs 20 in the evening
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