Why?
Because they are on break from school and they are insistent on playing outside in the rain and mud. They were both exhausted last night from shoveling, raking, digging canals (PLAYING) in the freezing rain and mud for most of the day.
They work with heroic energy but the energy that they exert to work in the mud is not done because they are forced to but because they love to! Their spirits' rejoice in their work. They don't call it work because it's fun. Their hard work looks a lot like play. Their work is drenched in freedom and joy. They are free because they participate in their outside activities because they want to, not because they have to.
From DOTE “Outside is the place of salvation. “Outside is where salvation happened and is experienced.” Page 264.
From DOTE “Outside is the place of salvation. “Outside is where salvation happened and is experienced.” Page 264.
Dear God, invade my heart with your kingdom such that work becomes play. Drench my will with your grace such that I serve and strive not because I have to but because I want to. Give me your heart such that the joy set before me is to wrestle and toil in the mud and mire and bear the sins and wounds of my enemies like you did for me on the cross OUTSIDE Jerusalem.
Amen.
I love this perspective, Steve. I wonder if this is another picture of what it means to have child-like faith? To find joy in the work, laughter among the mess, and freedom in the pain. Perhaps we are called to play and enjoy the work, not because it's easy but because we have someone to do it with. Its the fun, joy and presence of the other person that makes work seem joyful.
ReplyDeleteI pray that Christ would be at the center of our work, pain, and mess. And that as we attempt to work through it all, we become joyful as we realize that Christ is playing along with us.
Thanks for your post. You always have such interesting perspectives!