BEING INTENTIONAL ABOUT FUN
Because of our schedules, we have to be intentional about finding time to be with someone for fun. If you have it on your calendar that you are going to meet someone or a group for an event, you are much more likely to do it. For years I’ve had a scheduled time to play racquetball with some friends early in the morning. Because I know that they will be there waiting for me, I’m not likely to just say I’m tired and skip the game. The value of planning ahead for fun allows our own sense of accountability to assist us in participating.
DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS
Not everyone enjoys the same activities. What I am going to suggest is a menu of possibilities. Your task is to pick out something you think would be fun and then think of another clergy to invite to share it with you. I have deliberately tried to avoid specifically ministerial activities so that you can break the cycle.
- Go to a movie with a group and discuss it afterwards.
- Play golf or tennis, or another sport.
- Participate in one of the Fantasy Leagues of your favorite sport.
- Set up a bridge, cribbage, or other game.
- Plan a hike or even a camping trip.
- If you play an instrument, set up a jam session.
- Organize a fitness group with the shared expense of a trainer.
- Use a church van to plan a day trip to a place of interest.
- Find someone who shares a hobby that interests you.
- Set up a dinner club with clergy and spouses.
- Set up a book discussion group of fun books to read.
- Go to a museum or art exhibit together.
- Develop a fun service project that can be done in a day or less.
OK, that is my list. I hope it stimulates possibilities in your mind.
By the way, if you want a fun book to read that you could discuss with other clergy, may I suggest either my new mystery novel, A Star and a Tear,amzn.to/1aTDdgs or one of my volumes of Clergy Tales–Tails,amzn.to/13VO446.
Whatever you do, give yourself permission to have some fun. You will be a better pastor because you took the time. And you will have helped another clergy or several to be better as well.
