Just For Fun

As I watched Chase play hockey this past weekend my mind kept wondering, I kept thinking to myself he is having so much fun. You can tell by the look on his face, his whole demeanor just relaxed and happy. I kept thinking how stressful or world is today, and how young that stress starts. Everything is so competitive. The kids know who has 100's in spelling along with every other class/test taken, who can do the most math facts correct in one minute, who has the most books read - I think you can see where I am going with this. The extra curricular activities are no different, maybe even worse. My kids are in these activities and love them, as do I. What would my life be without baseball, football, basketball and of course running? I am not by any means bashing these activities our family loves them. But lets be honest, they are very competitive and at times quite stressful. It doesn't matter the age or level of play. I get that competitiveness is good, I get what we get out of it. I myself have a competitive streak. No one wants to be the worst at anything, no one wants to lose. I get it, but I am going somewhere else with this. (I think?!) A new session of hockey just started, and there are levels at which you can compete. This an adult league. 16 yrs. & over. I heard one of the guys ask Chase if he was going to bump up a level this session. He is quite capable of moving up. Chase's response is what got me thinking and watching closer. "No, this is just for fun for me, my outlet." Now believe me if you want to see some competitive spirit some of these grown men in hockey have it! So, I questioned how they would respond to Chase's answer. But all seemed to admire his honest answer. IT IS JUST FOR FUN! Of course he wants to play well and win. He has been on two championship teams thus far. But when he messes up he laughs, shrugs it off, not to think of it again. (Except while we razz him afterwards) When he gets off the ice it's over until next time. No stresses. Just for fun. My quest for the new year is that each of my family members find something that is just for fun, an outlet. We all need that, it's so healthy to be competitive, but fun is healthy too. It doesn't have to be a sport it can be anything as long as it's fun! So what will it be? Who knows maybe I will start playing hockey, well probably not, but that would be fun! Thank you God for blessing me immensely.