New hymn lyrics in celebration of play

God, be praised for recreation
walking, running, sailing, too.
We love golf and tennis, don’t we?
Flying kites in skies of blue.
Playing Bridge and watercolors
help us to relax and rest.
Recreation is required
if we hope to be our best.

God, be praised for His example
to unplug and call it quits.
Those who fail to keep a Sabbath,
risk the loss of health and wits.
Leisure is a sacred calling.
Rest is what our bodies need.
Balance is what God intended
for His creatures to succeed.

God, be praised for work and playtime.
Both are needed in our lives.
Honest labor gives us value.
Sports and hobbies help us thrive.
God who made us for His purpose
wired us to find the joys
that we knew in playground recess
as young girls and as young boys.

Tune: Ode to Joy