Episode 6: Sacred Play Series pt 1 | Play Is Holy — Rediscovering Joy in a World That Worships Work

You were made for more than checklists and control.
At some point, we traded imagination for productivity—and forgot how to play. But what if play isn’t just for children? What if rediscovering joy is part of your spiritual formation? In this episode, we explore how play is not just a parenting practice—it’s a holy posture that reconnects us to God, to our children, and to our own delight.

from this episode:

“What if play isn’t a break from the sacred work—what if it is the sacred work?”

Mentioned in the Episode:

Jürgen Moltmann — Theology of Play
→ “Play is the celebration of life that comes from freedom. It’s not preparation for life—it is life.”

Rebecca Nye — Children’s Spirituality: What It Is and Why It Matters
→ Describes children’s spirituality as a “hidden treasure” that often shows up through imagination and wonder.

Lacy Finn Borgo — Spiritual Conversations with Children
→ “When children play, they are practicing presence… the same space where they are most open to God.”

Matthew 18:3 – “Unless you become like little children…”
→ Jesus invites us not just to childlike trust, but to childlike joy.

Here’s that story from Kaitlyn Schiess — A Child in Our Midst – Season 2, Episode 7
→ Children respond to the question “What would you ask Jesus if He showed up at dinner?” with heart-melting requests: “Will you stay for dinner?” “Will you hunt bugs with me?” “Will you have a tea party with me?” A reminder that sometimes children are the theologians we all need.

Resources:

• Visit the Parent Forward Podcast Homepage

Explore Related Episodes:

• Episode 1: What Is Spiritual Formation and Why It Matters in Parenting
• Episode 4: Forgiveness Is the Formation
• 🎧 Coming Next Week: Episode 7 – The Neuroscience of Silliness: Why Being a Goofball Builds Real Connection

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Instagram: @parentforwardpodcast
• Website: www.parentforward.com

Support the Podcast:
If this episode made you laugh, cry, or reimagine what God might be doing in your living room dance parties and blanket forts—would you share it with a friend? Subscribe, leave a review, or tag us on Instagram. You never know who needs permission to play again.