August 1996

"Are we having fun yet?"

It is a catchy slogan found on bumper stickers and posters.  When I first saw it, I laughed!  However, as time goes on - I find it a revealing question.

Are we having fun and enjoying ourselves?  I know we're busy, and I know we are overwhelmed with the pressures of work or home.  The tempo doesn't seem to stop - from social activities to family, to work - the time slips away.  The vacation we planned gets pushed back or shortened.  The break we needed gets eclipsed by another urgent demand.

Even our "free time" is becoming "productive time".  The obligatory demands and conflicting expectations of loved ones and friends - the desire to "do better" at our hobby, or "improve" our possessions (our home, boat, cabin, car - whatever), all contribute to making our leisure time anything but fun.

But just what do we mean by fun?  Is it when we feel relaxed, carefree and unhurried?  Is it enjoying whatever we are doing - wherever we may be?  Is it laughter?  Is it a state of mind?  These are only questions if you ask "have we forgotten how to have fun"?  Have we lost our perspective?  Maybe having fun is something that we cannot do by ourselves.

"When God gives anyone wealth and possessions and enables one to enjoy them, to accept ones lot and be happy in ones work - this is a gift from God"

Ecclesiastes 5:19

When you think of having fun - do you consider that "fun" is a gift from God?  Possibly having fun is not some magical combination of our time, money and activity.  Possibly it has more to do with the state of our soul.

"For without God who can find enjoyment?"

Ecclesiastes 2:25

Blessings

Thomas Cooper

Volume V, Issue IV

CIT796.DOC17-Jul-96