I posted this meme to a social media account the other day. I love sheep; I love to use less-commonly used words; and I love to frolic! It was an easy choice for me. Several people commented and enjoyed the meme. As I read the comments I started to realize that although the definition of the word was the same for all, it could have very different connotations for each based on personal experiences, history, and beliefs.

For me, frolicking is a deeply spiritual word (I may already be losing some of you….hold on). I have had many experiences in life that could be defined as fun, silly, raucous, etc., but I never frolicked until I knew Jesus and let Jesus know me. Every single experience of frolicking I have known, and there have been oh so many, have come when I have been deeply immersed in the Presence of Jesus. In my experience, frolicking involves freedom, safety, utter joy, and a palpable connectedness with others who are simultaneously wrapped up in Jesus’ Presence.

You may ask how the experience I just described (except, perhaps, for the Jesus part) is any different than just earthly fun. Jesus is the key. We can have fun while being totally focused on ourselves. We can fun at another’s expense. We can have fun and cause harm to ourselves. We can have fun while excluding others. We can have fun with others and still feel all alone. We can have fun without anyone being edified in the process.

But in Jesus, in Jesus we can frolic. He can create such an atmosphere of freedom that we can put down for a moment the harshness and rigidity of adulthood and worry over other’s perceptions of us and we can revel in the sheer delight that we are His children and we are good and we are joyful and we are one. The greatest moments of side-splitting laughter, giddiness, and joy in my life have never ever been apart from Jesus. He laughs. I’ve just got to believe that when God spoke planets and stars into being there was great laughter that echoed through the universe. When the Father breathed life into man and woman I have to believe there was such delight that laughter was heard throughout the new world. He is joy. He gives joy. He frolics.

Many could read such notions and think it sacrilege to speak of Jesus in such a light-hearted way. Where did religion ever get the idea to take Sheer Joy and Wonder (that’s Jesus) and turn Him into rules and stoic, somber ritual? Of course there are times of quiet and seriousness. Of course there are dark and dry times and sad and lamenting times. That is the human condition. But if you have never frolicked with your spiritual brothers and sisters while Jesus enjoyed it more and laughed louder than any other, you have missed a great part of the plan Jesus has for our lives. He longs to walk every step with you. He makes Himself present to you in deep sorrow and fear and He makes Himself present to you in such utter abandon of merriment that you might pee a little. He provides safe people and safe spaces to frolic with Him. Wring every ounce out of those moments He creates for they will carry you through when darker times come.

When in doubt, frolic!