Creative Recreation 
(Continuing my series through The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. You will find the full list of previous chapters HERE.)
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines ‘recreation’ as:
“(1)Refreshment of the strength and spirits after toil; amusement; diversion. (2)Relief from toil or pain; amusement in sorrow or distress. (3) A forming anew.”
I prefer the third definition. And it seems to fit very nicely with the spirit of this chapter.
The New Oxford American Dictionary gives the origin of the word:
“late Middle English (also in the sense [mental or spiritual consolation] ): via Old French from Latin recreatio(n-), from recreare ‘create again, renew.’”
In the 9th grade, I learned the old hymn “Morning Has Broken”. To this day I enjoy hearing it and singing it. I can still recall the sweet words and melody. The last line says:
“Praise with elation, praise every morning; God’s recreation of the new day.” (lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon, music a traditional Gaelic tune)
Our choir director had us pronounce the word ‘recreation’ as ‘re – creation’. After all, God has already created the very first day. And so each new day is a re-creation. That thought has stuck with me ever since.
I have watched over the years as my young children have spent nearly entire days re-creating, using the imagination, exploring and discovering. It energizes them. And one thing leads to another and they are off in a whole new world. Is that what God intended recreation to do for us? To energize us? To inspire us to create more?
What is it that refreshes and rejuvenates and renews you? Tennis, anyone? Boating? Badminton? How about a ballgame? What is your favorite recreational activity?
Maybe it’s a walk in the park? an afternoon at the museum? an evening out with friends? Time spent at a favorite hobby might do the trick.
We do live in a culture that seems to thrive on leisure and recreation. It is so easy to put these first, and skimp on the ‘work’ of life. Around here we are trying to learn better habits – work first, play after. Work hard and reap the rewards. Hard work makes down-time so much sweeter.
Throughout Edith Schaeffer’s book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking, she shares many ideas to inspire creative recreation. I’ve enjoyed re-reading her book, and am gathering up ideas to implement in the months and years to come.
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,‘Therefore I hope in Him!’
Lamentations 3:22-24
Photo Credit: 1.Daughter Caitlin snapped this one of Son Luke, after an exhausting photo shoot for his senior pictures. It was Luke’s way of saying, “Sorry, Sis. I’m DONE.” 2. Early morning photo shoot at Bar Harbor, Maine by daughter Caitlin. 3. The littlest sisters walking hand in hand through Canadian forest. 4. Daughter Caitlin captures mom beach-combing on Prince Edward’s Island. 5. My photographer daugher captures this beautiful result of a hard night’s work.
Joining The Hidden Art of Homemaking Book Study with Cindy at Ordo Amoris.
My copy of this book is the same as this one offered through my Amazon affiliate link:
also linking up at Fellowship Fridays, Focused Homemaker, The Better Mom, Making Your Home Sing, Monday’s Musings, Domestically Divine, Walking Redeemed, Wow Us Wednesday
I’ve heard about “The Hidden Art of Homemaking” and would love to find a copy for myself. Thanks so much for reminding me about it! Visiting you today from Christian Mommy Blogger. I hope you have a wonderful July, Linda.
Hello, Jelli 🙂 So glad you stopped by! This book has been an great encouragement, sparking all kinds of ideas! I’ve updated this post, with an affiliate link at the end, just in case you’d like to pick up a copy for yourself. This is one of those books that I learn something new each time I read it, depending on the season of life I’m in. Blessings!
Wonderful thoughts. So relevant to where I am at right now. Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by, Lizzy 🙂 There is Hidden Art everywhere – we just have to look and discover!
I am encouraged by the concept that creative recreation is energizing and inspires us to create. This is a weak area for me, as I tend to spend most of my time indoors.
It is a weak area for me, as well, Cheryl. If I can just let go of what outdoors and nature mean to everyone else, I do enjoy it in my own little way. Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Enjoy the weekend, hopefully full of re-creating.
I love that “re-creating”. What a great way to think about it like that. This sounds like a book I. MUST. HAVE. Going over to check it out now! 🙂
Hi Chelsey 🙂 Grab yourself a copy! It will be a blessing to you. I hope you find time to re-create this weekend. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your sweet comment.
One thing I noticed is that when I spent 10 days in Florida it was fun but didn’t feel relaxing but when I came home my mind was ready to blog again after quite a slump.
Glad you had a fun time in Florida! and happy that it pulled you out of your blogging slump 🙂 I have a love/hate relationship with vacations – for mom they are fun, but so. much. work.
Here’s to creative recreation and relaxing times at home!
*cough* I took that one of the lighthouse. In case you were wondering. 🙂 Dad had some good ones too, though.
caught me! I knew I’d blunder one of these days. I’ll fix that, my dear. You both have taken so many amazing photos it’s always hard to choose. You need to be snapping more 😉 love you!
I really need to get this book. It sounds like something I could really use to read right now. You always inspire me and I love visiting. Thanks for linking up with me last week!
Yes, Kasey you should read it 🙂 it’s a quick, easy read, but packed chock full of lessons and inspiration. I’m so glad you stopped by for a visit and that you found encouragement here, my friend. I feel the same when I visit your site! Have a blessed week.
Re-creation….I love that. Forming anew. Beautiful! And that hymn is one of my favorites…I get tears in my eyes when I hear it. Thank you so much for linking of this very thoughtful and beautiful post. I hope you’ll be back again to today to link up again.
Hello Rosilind 🙂 I’m glad you stopped in and you found encouragement 🙂 it’s a beautiful hymn, isn’t it? I can almost see the sunrise and hear the early bird’s morning song when I sing it. It’s been fun joining in your link party. Thank you for hosting it!