When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them. Proverbs 16:7
“God is interested in our fun as much as we are. Many of us talk to Him during our games. Some of the famous football players long ago discovered that they played better if they prayed all during the game. Some of the famous runners pray during races. If a thing brings health and joy and friendship and a fresh mind, God is keenly interested, because He is interested in us. While on the playground, do not ask to win, but whisper: “God, get Thy will done exactly. Help us all to do our best. Give us
what is far more important than defeating our opponents — make us clean sportsmen and make us good friends.”
Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “During Play Hours.”
When we bring God into every area of our lives, He lavishes more generosity in unexpected ways. For example, He can make our enemies at peace with us. I am praying that for so many countries at war today.
Furthermore, when we bring God even into our recreational lives, rather than allowing competition to divide us and tempt us to cut corners, we become clean sportsmen who make good friends on and off the field.
Someone asked me recently what sports I follow. I really don’t have much time to follow any sports but if I do, it’s for sure, Major League Baseball. The person quickly quivered as the Colorado Rockies are, by far, the worst team in baseball.
I surprised them by saying that I am a fan of the game. I don’t have just cheer for one team. At first it bothered him. Then after explaining that I enjoy fantasy baseball with long time friends and have players from around the league, he got it.
What if you bring God into your summer fun. He cares about gardening, corn hole, dog walks, fly fishing, hiking, and so much more. He will teach us things when we do that make us better people.
We in turn become more generous people. Want that for your summer (in the northern hemisphere)? If so, bring God into your fun and watch Him give you blessings that are more important than you could ever imagine.