Threads Within is GenOn's new resource to help church leaders support families in everyday faith.

In our busy, stressful lives, making time for fun can feel almost impossible. Between homework, inboxes, and full calendars, play is often the first thing to disappear. Yet children remind us every day that fun matters. 

They climb, color, laugh, and play with joy. Maria Montessori said “Play is the work of the child,” and perhaps adults need that wisdom too. When we play, we may discover something new about our children, ourselves, and even God’s delight in our joy.

This week, take time to play with your children and notice what you learn. You may see their creativity, humor, or the way they feel most loved. 

You may also notice your own heart softening as you pause and simply enjoy being together. If making space for fun feels difficult, it helps to decide ahead of time what delight can look like for your family.

A Breath Prayer for Play

Inhale: I can pause.

Exhale: And play.

Inhale: I can let down my guard.

Exhale: And see the face of God in my children.

Amen.

Create a Family Fun Plan

When we finally get a sliver of free time, it is easy to reach for screens because we are tired. A Family Fun Plan removes some of that pressure by helping you decide ahead of time. 

Brainstorm simple ways your family loves to have fun, whether indoors, outdoors, active, restful, at home, or somewhere new. Let everyone contribute. The goal is not perfection, but shared joy.

Choose a few favorites for short pockets of time and a few for longer stretches. Write them where everyone can see, so when free time appears, your family already has a gentle invitation to connect, laugh, and enjoy one another.

As you look ahead to this week, prayerfully choose one simple way to make room for joy in your home. Let it be small and grace-filled. An evening walk, a game at the table, or a few unrushed moments together. Write it on your family calendar as a reminder that delight is part of the love God is growing among you.

A Family Prayer for Joy

God of fun, God of play, thank you for today and every day. Help us remember to make time to play together. We know you delight in our joy. Amen.