E for Enjoyment
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV) and the Mars Bar strap line used to state that ‘A Mars a day helps you work rest and play’. The summer is a time for many of us to have a break from work and time to rest and play!
Paul in on one of his letters to Timothy writes, “…. hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17 NIV) The writer of Ecclesiastes makes various comments about enjoying life too. “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV )
Take a few minutes to ponder on what gives you enjoyment by taking a piece of paper and drawing two buckets. On one write the ways you currently give out for example, through family/friends/work/church/community. On the other write the ways in which you currently take in, for example, through exercise/creative activities/cultural activities/relationships/retreats. You may find that some activities fit in both buckets!
- Is there balance between these buckets or is one fuller than the other?
- Are there changes you need to make to achieve a better balance, which will be more life-giving for you and increase your level of well-being?
Lay all of this before the Lord and, in the silence listen to what he has to say to you. Thank him for what he has revealed to you.
Then take steps to ensure that you have time to participate in activities and events that are enjoyable and life-giving for you!