Inspired by life...

Today I have crossed paths with many people, actually getting to talk to a few of them. Through conversations with new folks, and stories from old friends, and inspite of the migrain I've had all day, I've been inspired. Life will always have work to do. One of my friends reminded me that I will probably have to "work" until I'm 70 years old. Another friend recently lost his job, and his life is better for it (although he is working hard to find one, he says the stress of looking has been much easier than the stress his old job brought him!). Another person mentioned the hectic nature of life, and waiting on God to show you what's next. Another person mentioned that he has rediscovered his PS2, and is really digging the games he used to play. It seems like my whole day was filled with people dealing with work and life. Then, in the middle of my day, my wife and daughter showed up to have lunch with me. My daughter, Cayla, will be 4 in less than a month, and is the most articulate 4-year-old in the world. She is absolutely amazing. During lunch, we were talking about Spongebob Squarepants, and she was delighted to tell me about the episode she'd seen this morning. Next, it was off to Tumblebugs where she played "Feed the Lion" with her gymnastics teacher. As she is telling me each detail, I can feel my joy level rising. We laughed, and watched as my little girl reminded me that we need to play more. There will always be work to do, but life's uplifting moments seem to come when we are lost in a moment, like children at play. All of these people sweating life, me included, could learn a lot from listening to a 4 year-old talk about what's important to her. Sitting at Taco Bell/Pizza Hut, my little girl was reminding me about what's important.
Isn't the life of faith this way, too? Sometimes we get so caught up in the "work of the kingdom" we forget that Jesus rolled on the ground with children. God is remarkably creative. I think He is remarkably playful, too. Don't sweat life. Play. Play with all your heart. Play like my kids who immerse themselves in the moment. Don't get me wrong. There is a time for work. But, as the old saying goes, "All work and no play makes Jason a very dull man." It also makes Jason a very stressed and unuseable man.
By the way, my family just stopped back by Aroma's (where I office) to check on me, and Cayla brought me a picture she drew of me. She said it would make me feel better, and gave me a kiss.