Ecclesiastes 8:15 And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.
The above Bible verse is written by King Solomon. It is said he was the wisest man that ever lived, besides Jesus. He wrote much of the Bible book of Proverbs, a book known for its practical wisdom. In the Bible book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about what is worthwhile in life, what is wise and not-so-wise. Fun, joy, and laughter are considered wise choices.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:13 Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure (joy) in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
Ecclesiastes 2:24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction (joyful contentment) in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God.
I am one of those personality-types where fun is an important value. I can find fun in most everything I do. If it’s not fun, why do it?!? I also like to observe people having fun. That’s one of the reasons my wife and I go frequently to Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth! One night, as Kristi and I were enjoying an evening at Disneyland, we were walking by a crowd waiting for a parade. The parade route was lined with excited kids of all ages anticipating the fun and joy and wonder they were about to experience. Some had been snacking on a favorite treat, savoring every bite. Some were playing games to pass the time. Some were what seemed to be joking as great laugher erupted. Others were just relaxing in their place. Now, sure, there were a few whose expressions were NOT showing they were in the happiest place on earth! One poor older woman looked downright mad as the kids next to her kept edging closer and closer, invading her space! However, what caught my eye was an older couple, a bit dressed up, sitting quietly on a park bench soaking in the joy and buzz of the gathered parade watchers. Just as I glanced over and admired the big smiles on their faces, a new song came over the loudspeakers. As the song played on, the man said something to the woman, who I guessed was his wife. He got up and held out his hand to her. She smiled big and with a twinkle in her eye gently took hold of his hand and gracefully stood. He escorted her to the middle of the street and the two started to dance. The people around them started to cheer. They danced with even more passion, with whimsical expressions on their faces. It was pure joy! Yes, it was a bit crazy and some of their moves did not match their age! They were having a blast and so were all those who watched. They made the choice to have some fun.
Honestly, life can get way too serious. Now sure, there are some horrible, deplorable, disgraceful and reprehensible things that happen in life. For those times, we do need to be serious and walk through them with wisdom and grace. However, there are times to have fun. Fun, joy, and laughter can be very helpful.
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
Yes, life is difficult, and our world is filled with awful happenings, yet there are, and can be, times where it’s okay to have fun. It might even help us to endure those trying times. How could you step out and say, ‘let’s have some fun?’
Now, when some people think of church, they think the opposite of fun, but church can be fun!!! If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together. We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Looking for opportunities to have some fun along with you,
Messages From Mike 
