Dear Friends,

Our Soul Matters theme for the month is Play. As I have told several groups at different times, I was the person who does not like playing games. I was the non-playing mother: “Oh, silly baby, you want to snuggle or read? ‘Cuz Mommy doesn’t play!” I still struggle to play games, though I am more willing than I used to be. But I have come to realize that “play” is not about games but rather an attitude toward living.

In Jewish and Christian traditions, a creating god formed the earth through labor, six days of hard labor and then a need to rest on the seventh day. In Hindu tradition, the universe is created through play, through Vishnu-dancing. Lila is the word describing this joyful creativity. Lila is the play of the universe, the universe coming into existence through joy and dancing and singing and moving, rather than through blood, sweat, and tears.

I am not one to dismiss work. I believe in rest before labor. And I enjoin you to labor playfully and with joy—singing and dancing and laughing as much as you can as you work your garden, work your job, work your relationships. A playful attitude doesn’t detract from the work, and might even make it more wonderful.

May we maintain a playful attitude, holding life lightly and creating beauty whenever we can, as you remember, today and every day, that you are loved, you are worthy, we are welcome, and you are needed. May you feel it so, and may it be so.

Blessings, Rev. Rita