Pause: A Month of Joy in Five Minutes a DaySample

Proclaim

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:4-5)

Prompt

We’re made to play.

If you want to see how hope can change you, then you have to get out and enjoy life. Quit whining, turn off the TV, and go play.

One of the most important aspects of keeping my dreams alive today is a laser focus on enjoying life to the fullest. Don’t get me wrong—I can overwork myself with the best of them, but I try to play just as hard as I work. It’s a huge part of my recovery and my hope-filled life.

I try to keep a wide variety of friends and when they want to do something fun (and sober), I make an attempt to practice what I preach and say YES! We have only a limited amount of time in this world and I don't want to waste any of it.

Trust me: when you come alive after being dead for so long, life feels way too good to sit around. You have to sink your teeth into it! To hold onto your joy this year, you have to practice PLAY!

Prod

When’s the last time you experienced the joy of play?

What were you doing?

How can you weave this into your weekly or even daily rhythms?

Praise

Listen to “Dynamite” by Tom Smith

Pray

Jesus, thanks for making me to play! I treasure that about myself. Every time I connect with the little child inside my heart, I can feel your joy overtake me. God, please help me find a moment through today to have some fun! Help me come alive in JOY! Amen.