As a frustrated English major, I am always interested in the way a word has evolved and recreation is one that seems particular ironic. Originally recreation was pronounced as re-creation and is considered by Merriam-Webster as derived from Middle English, Anglo-French, and Latin meaning restoration to health, to create anew, restore, refresh, and to create. Folks do tell me they find diversion and relief from stress by modern recreation, but I can't see it. I've had grown men stomping around hours after a loss by a favorite team, simmering with frustration and disappointment -- over a game in which they were not even playing.
Some years ago I had a boss that was an avid golfer who had just returned from playing at the Colonial Country Club Golf Course in Fort Worth, Texas. He had looked forward to the opportunity for several weeks but returned so dejected. I asked why the long face and he said he had just learned how truly limited were his golfing skills after so many years of practice and play because this very challenging course had been not much fun to play. I remember shaking my head and asking if he planned to keep playing and he said he could not imagine quitting even though it seemed to bring more frustration than fun as the years passed. I was puzzled then and I am still puzzled every Sunday afternoon when my beloved family gathers to bemoan, groan and grimace with each football play that is less than perfect and to second guess the coach even on successful plays.
The things our culture calls recreation is a puzzlement to me in so many ways.
Can we find our way back to restoration, refreshment, and renewal: make time in our lives to pursue activities that lift our hearts and make our souls sing, and make time to enjoy our world, our family, our own capacity to love and embrace all the blessings that surround us, even on the most challenging of days.
Can we seek peace even on a golf course and while watching the game with our loved ones?
“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:5-8
Some years ago I had a boss that was an avid golfer who had just returned from playing at the Colonial Country Club Golf Course in Fort Worth, Texas. He had looked forward to the opportunity for several weeks but returned so dejected. I asked why the long face and he said he had just learned how truly limited were his golfing skills after so many years of practice and play because this very challenging course had been not much fun to play. I remember shaking my head and asking if he planned to keep playing and he said he could not imagine quitting even though it seemed to bring more frustration than fun as the years passed. I was puzzled then and I am still puzzled every Sunday afternoon when my beloved family gathers to bemoan, groan and grimace with each football play that is less than perfect and to second guess the coach even on successful plays.
The things our culture calls recreation is a puzzlement to me in so many ways.
Can we find our way back to restoration, refreshment, and renewal: make time in our lives to pursue activities that lift our hearts and make our souls sing, and make time to enjoy our world, our family, our own capacity to love and embrace all the blessings that surround us, even on the most challenging of days.
Can we seek peace even on a golf course and while watching the game with our loved ones?
“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:5-8
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