Do Whatever Makes You Come Alive

Before we left BSSM, some students asked the leaders what they would recommend we do this summer to prepare for 2nd year.  Of course they shared about the importance of maintaining our secret place with the Lord.  But then they said something that came as somewhat of a shock, but a refreshing one.  They said, "Do whatever makes you come alive."  This was a new idea to me.  In the past I have had somewhat of a religious mindset.  I limited myself and even God by believing that the ONLY true good use of my time was alone with God in my prayer closet.  First you have to understand that the secret place alone with the Lord is my most cherished place.  I would rather waste my life at His feet than in doing any other self pursuit.  But when you write this as a law for yourself (I must spend ALL my free time in the prayer closet), you lose not only the value in your choice to be with God, but you also miss the joys that God has hidden for you in many different places and activities.  God is not a boring God!  So many times would I sacrifice doing something I enjoyed because I felt like it was an unholy waste of time.  Or I would feel guilty whenever I spent much time doing those things.  I believe God enjoys all the things we enjoy.  And we can still be in communion with God while doing those things.  I have come to realize how fast time really goes and I want to spend every moment to it's fullest potential.
So what do you enjoy?  What brings you life and fulfillment?  When do you feel the most alive?
As I've embraced this new freedom - freedom from the law - I HAVE found so much life an joy.  Within the last couple of weeks I have taken time to be crazy, laugh a lot, and do what used to seem like a waste of time.  From sipping tea while reading a fictional (gasp) book, to jumping on the trampoline.  Waving a cattail in the wind and watching the fluff be whisked away.  Watching the hysterical unfolding events as my little brothers try to sail their home-made boat (which unfortunately sank instead).  Talking with my best friend while swinging for hours.  Mastering the ancient technique of frisbee throwing in the park.  Walking around down town and getting mostly lost.  Day dreaming.  Finding my hidden creative being within.  Sitting down and intentionally tickling the ivories.  These are all things that have made me come alive and I am making it an unofficial summer goal to continue doing similar things alongside of my already established secret place with the Lord.  I think putting those together will make for one heck of a summer!