Opening this weekend is the movie Christopher Robin, a new story based on the boy whose imagination brought Winnie the Pooh to life. In the movie, Christopher Robin is a grown man with the responsibilities of a stressful job for a demanding boss, as well as having a wife and daughter with whom he spends too little time. As the movie begins, Christopher Robin must back out of a family trip to meet work obligations and is feeling emotionally lost. In this same moment, Winnie the Pooh also arrives in London and is physically lost. The two old friends must work together to get Pooh back home and in the company of his friends. Along the way, Christopher Robin is reminded of the happiness he felt when personal relationships were his priority and play was an everyday way of life.

Work hard, play hard

Becoming an adult involves two processes: aging and maturing. One need not be older to be mature, nor is a person necessarily mature because he or she is older. However, the majority of our society does expect maturity to reflect the ability to accept and to meet responsibilities. These societal expectations have resulted in the coining of a new word, a verb: adulting. Oxford Dictionary defines it this way: “The practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.” And, while becoming a contributing member of society is a reasonable goal, too often we end up like Christopher Robin, forgetting to seek joy and play as regular parts of our lives.

Relax — don’t do it!

Consider the adults who are part of your life. Do they play or do they relax? Play is an active involvement in the world around you that brings pleasure. Play helps us as humans to remain pure in heart and filled with the energy required to view and love everyone as a child of God.

Question of the day: What was your favorite stuffed animal or toy or character as a young child?
Focal scriptures: Matthew 19:13-15; Psalm 24:1-6; 1 John 5:1-5

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.