The Importance of Play

Zechariah 8:5 – “The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”

There was a time when I thought being a good dad meant always providing, always protecting, always having a plan. I was deep in ministry, holding a lot of responsibility, and carrying the weight of showing up for everyone else. Play felt… optional. Maybe even a luxury.

Then one day, my teenage son asked me to play video games with him. I almost said no. I had emails to answer, a sermon to finish, and a to-do list that wasn’t getting any shorter. But something in his tone—hopeful, almost hesitant—made me pause. I sat down. We played. We laughed. We bonded. And somewhere between virtual battles and high-fives, I realized I had been missing opportunities to connect—not just as a dad, but as a person.

That moment reminded me that connection isn’t just about conversations—it’s about presence. And presence often shows up best in play.

Zechariah 8:5 paints a beautiful picture of hope and restoration—a city alive with the sound of children playing. God’s vision for a flourishing community includes laughter, imagination, and joy.

Play reminds us we’re human. It pulls us back into the present moment. It’s not wasted time—it’s sacred space where relationships are strengthened and souls are refreshed.

Ask Yourself:

1. When was the last time you truly played—with no agenda?

2. What simple joy have you been pushing aside for something more “productive”?

3. How can play become part of your spiritual and relational rhythm?

   
   

Prayer: God of joy, thank you for laughter, for imagination, for moments of lightness. Help me slow down enough to play—to delight in my family, to be fully present, and to experience your love in the joy of the moment. Amen.