I’ve heard the Fun Scale has been around for over 20 years.  I’ve never considered the meaning of the word “fun,” but according to the dictionary, it means enjoyment, amusement, or entertainment.   Here are the types of fun. 

Type 1 Fun

It’s enjoyable while it’s happening. Fun could mean going to a theme park, the beach, sightseeing, fishing, dancing, going to a concert, sailing, cruises, flying kites, hiking and more.

Type 2 Fun

Despite its initial misery, holds a unique charm. It’s a journey that starts with the best intentions and a goal to be reached but often turns out to be a grueling, difficult time.  Yet, when it’s all over, you find yourself saying, “That wasn’t so bad.  I’m glad I did it.”  The experience, once ridiculously unbearable, transforms into one of the most memorable moments of your life.   

My son, Arin, recently joined in a monumental challenge, participating in a 206-mile relay race in the picturesque Smoky Mountains near Asheville. It wouldn’t be so bad; there would be nine people altogether running the relay, at about 23 miles apiece.  There would be camaraderie, and they would pass by majestic scenery.  It all sounded so upbeat and appealing.  Arin had just run a marathon, so he thought he would be physically fit and up for the challenge.  However, he had not met all the members of his team, and some had not trained and were not prepared for the long journey and brutal beating of uphill mountain roads.  Suddenly, two team members were unable to complete their leg of the race; they couldn’t run anymore.  

Then, all eyes turned to Arin to pick up their distance and push beyond his limits.  As the clock ticked on, the team had moments of doubt and discussed quitting, but they chose to press on, but how?  Arin raised his hand to say, “I’ll do more; I’ll help.”  In the end, Arin faced the grueling task of running more than 30 miles, running during the day, running wearing a nightlight, and suffering through 30 hours of sleep deprivation.  The team persevered and completed the entire course just in the nick of time.  They were sweat-soaked, dust-covered, and exhausted, but the team crossed the finish line with a display of resilience and unity.  They completed the course set before them.  Arin said, “This was Type 2 fun.   It was not fun while you’re doing it, but you’re glad you did it.”

I can only recall one Type 2 experience in my life; it was during a visit to the Grand Canyon.  On our last I can only recall one Type 2 experience in my life; it was during a visit to the Grand Canyon.  On our last day, my husband, Arin, and I decided to take a gingerly walk down the South Rim trail, you know, just doing sightseeing.  It was so beautiful, the beautiful colors of the canyon, the wildlife, and the scenery.  It was a pleasant trail walk.  However, we found ourselves descending deeper into the canyon, luring us further into its depths.  It was July, and the temperature increases in the canyon the deeper you go; it was now a blistering 100 degrees.  We started to see serious hikers passing us equipped with backpacks full of survival essentials.  A sense of unease crept in. Warning signs began to appear; one said, “Rescue by helicopter or mule could be limited and costly.”  We stopped and turned around. 

As we gazed back up at the canyon rim from where we started, we noticed tiny figures resembling ants lingering there. It dawned on us that we had ventured too far.  We turned back and started our ascent.  Going down was easy; however, the trek back up was arduous.  The unforgiving incline, the heat unbearable, I felt my strength ebbing away, fading, weary.  Then I heard a voice from behind me, “I’ll help.”  My husband’s steady hand found its place on my back, and a surge of strength coursed through me; his hand was a steadfast anchor urging me upward. I found the inner reserves to push through the exhaustion to persevere in the face of the challenge. The steady push was what I needed to make to make it to the top.  Although this was tough, it was one of the most memorable moments of our vacation.  It was a Type 2 fun but came close to a Type 3 fun. 

Type 3 Fun

This is no fun at all, not even in retrospect.  Afterward, you think, “What in the world was I thinking? I’ll never do that again.  If I ever come up with another idea that is crazy, somebody slaps some sense into me. 

Running and hiking are great ways to maintain physical health and mental clarity.  They offer an opportunity to spend time in prayer and contemplation while enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Ultimately, it is important to seek balance in all aspects of our lives, including taking care of our bodies through physical activity. 

The Christian life can be compared to that of a long-distance race.  We can run the race of life well only by laying aside any obstacle that hinders us.  We are told that the weight of “sin” is a crippling hindrance to good running.  A distance race requires endurance, persistence, and sustained effort—not a short sprint.  The same can be said of our faith-filled life – at times, it may be a demanding, grueling effort, but stay the course and help others on the way.   In the end, you’ll be glad you did. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  Hebrew 12:1

Does God want you to enjoy yourself and have fun?

The answer is clear: yes, He does. God does indeed provide moments of joy and recreation for us to appreciate and give thanks for. It is important to recognize these blessings and see them as opportunities to renew our spirits. Find time to marvel at the beauty of God’s creation and let these moments strengthen your faith and relationships with others.

But remember, our joy should be found in ways that are in line with God’s teachings. Make sure your activities bring you happiness without leading you into sin or taking you away from what is truly important. Strive for that balance that honors God in all that you do.

As you enjoy these moments of recreation and fun, keep in mind the race that God has set before you. It requires endurance and determination to keep going, even when faced with challenges. So, let your heart be filled with joy and laughter, and embrace each day with a spirit of gratitude and praise.  Have fun!

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

“A joyful heart is good medicine… ” Proverbs 17:22