I wrote the following devotional for my church last October:

One of my greatest fears is growing up. Not growing old, but growing up. I don’t fear this for just myself, but for all humankind. I’ve worked with children of all ages and backgrounds for about 18 years. Too often I have met children with adult responsibilities and concerns. They do not have the freedom to play, which is counterproductive, in my humble opinion, because play is one of the best learning tools. Through play we socialize and work together, use our imaginations to dream up visions of our future, or practice solving problems, and we always learn better when we’re having fun. I’m afraid that children are experiencing a loss of innocence at younger and younger stages, thereby nipping in the bud any chance of a playful childhood, and therefore a more optimistic future.

The Bible tells us in Mark 9:36-37 that children are a gift from God and we should cherish and care for them as best we can. What also scares me is that the adults who are caring for these children have forgotten how to play. How can we teach what we no longer know?

I was gifted with what is referred to as a free-range childhood; my friends and I rode our bikes all over town (no helmets!), stomped our way down the brook, danced silly routines at the bus stop for the passing cars, built forts in the trees, and we’d play kickball in the back until the dinner bell rang. I know a lot of adults who say their childhood was similar, but ‘these days and these kids just aren’t the same.’ But can’t they be? Are our own perceived fears of technology, crime, or injury getting in the way of play? Teach the children how we used to play. If you’re reading this, you survived, so you can’t have done anything that bad. Have faith that they will survive, too.

God gifted me with a career path that leads me to children who are desperate for a lot of things, but among them are time and resources to play, and to be a kid with no responsibilities other than to have fun. I get to play every day, and what a blessing it is to see children behaving like children. All of you adults out there can receive my blessings, too. But first, you need to nurture your own imaginations and silliness. God tells us in Matthew 18:2-4 to think and act like children; be humble, happy, and full of love. Whether you have a child to play with, or not, it is okay to go out and play. The world sure can use the gifts of play, like laughter, friendship, cooperation, creativity, altruism, and appreciation for the here and now.

If you could teach and play with a child any game from your childhood, what would it be?