Journal of Sacred Work

Days 265-269 The Power of Play

  Army saddle  It is just an old Army saddle straddling a wooden barrel. Yet, it became the prop for the great imaginings of 7 year old me, my 8 year old friend Jill Rutkin & my younger sister Martha (in the Halloween witch hat.)

   "Children take their play seriously," a wise friend told me long ago. It is in our play where we act out the stories that shape our childhood dreams.

   What happens to "play" (& dreams) when caregivers enter their work? It may seem irreverent to use a word as frivolous sounding as "play" about the treatment of the sick & wounded.

   I know of no better answer to this seeming paradox then the eloquence of Robert Frost from his immortal poem, "Two Tramps in Mudtime."   

Only where love and need are one,
And the work is play for mortal stakes
Is the deed ever truly done
For Heaven and the future's sakes.

  Perhaps, it is when we unite work & play that we do our best caregiving – for each other as well as for the patient before us.

-Erie Chapman, III

Snapshot by Erie Chapman, Jr. 

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5 responses to “Days 265-269 The Power of Play”

  1. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    Work & play: the world’s great balancing act! It requires courage to be playful in today’s world of grim and threatening headlines, as well as when we or others are ill. But if we are to grasp the full potential of life, with both hands–we must not forget our “animal” instincts: the older cat will still roll the ball of yarn playfully across the carpet; the old fisherman will still “squeal” when a good fish strikes his lure.
    And the wise human services practitioner, will always, always, use humor and an uplifting manner, in providing just what the needy person really needs: an authentic pleasant helper, who knows instinctively that life is one part dire but also one part a picnic!

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  2. Elizabeth Aquino Avatar
    Elizabeth Aquino

    This means so much to me today as I struggle with another day as caregiver. Thank you, Erie.

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  3. Chapman Health International Avatar
    Chapman Health International

    So glad it is helpful, Elizabeth. You are my hero and a hero to many. Thank YOU so much for commenting.

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  4. Todd Meador Avatar
    Todd Meador

    This reminds me of the quote sometimes mistakenly attributed to Confucius “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” -Anonymous
    It’s easier to combine play and work when we love our work. It’s also easier to love our work when we find ways to play at work.

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  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    I love the Halloween costumes of you and Martha, Erie. Thanks for sharing!
    Recently, a close friend has encountered a sudden and unexpected health crisis. We have been in touch often by phone. During our conversations, I’ve listened as she shared her experience which has been a great concern to me. On a couple of occasions something that was said caused us to both laughed heartily. Those moments feel so healing and life giving.

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