In My Other Life
We can't do it all, and we can't play it all either.
I’ve always loved miniature dollhouses. I remember visiting an exhibit of professionally-made miniature homes, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate details. The wallpaper, tiled floors, and staged scenes were incredible. I haven’t built any dollhouses myself—the closest I’ve gotten is working on the scenery of our model railroad. Still, as I watch my children furnish their detailed magnatile homes of their own, I wonder if I might enjoy making a tiny little home for myself.
But that’s a dream for another life.
Of course, I don’t believe in actual “other lives”—but it’s a phrase I’ve often said to myself and my husband throughout the years. And I actually find it helpful. We do have only one life, and in this one life we must make decisions of what will fit within these limited days, within our limited strength. We just can’t do it all.
While this applies to our labor and the big stuff of life, it also applies to our play. Our leisure comes with limits. While we might enjoy many different activities, the reality is, we just won’t be able to do them all. Every time I sit at the computer to write, I’m saying no to a batch of muffins. When I open the next chapter in a book, I’m pushing away the chance to run. The time I spend crocheting is time I’m not spending playing the piano, learning how to paint, or re-organizing our home. Each decision to do something, is a decision not to do another.
In another life, I might have spent a lot more time in my garden—actually weeding and cultivating every plant to its potential. I might have a couple goats to milk for butter and cheese. It sounds pretty great, and honestly fun. But I don’t have that life, because I chose this one. In this life, I decided that writing words provides me with some of my greatest joy—even more than the garden of my dreams. In this life I’ve come to discover that spontaneous camping trips with my kids win out over the responsibilities of livestock and fresh cheese.
We may find a hundred different activities interesting and fulfilling, but we just won’t be able to do them all. We’re tempted to believe the opposite. We scroll through social media and start to pile on our to-do list every hobby known to man. I must begin canning. I could learn photography. They say cooking a Beef Wellington is simple! Those volumes of books are a must-read!
But we can’t sustain that life. Instead, we can embrace the freedom of choosing the pieces of play that matter most to us. The next time you wonder at all the fun you’re not having, push away that guilt. The way God created you as a limited creature is good. He created you with a specific personality that will prioritize different forms of play. Some activities are simply for another life.
Question: I’d love to hear some of your “other life” hobbies! Let me know in the comments!