What’s does Pain2Play signify? Healing from emotional pain is really no different than healing from physical pain. The pattern is the same. Picture a small child falling down on the sidewalk and skinning their knee. They instantly recognize their pain and tears ensue. Then a parent or caregiver runs to them and comforts their pain, sometimes applying a band aid… but often just love and compassion. Once the child has been comforted, they start to squirm in their parent’s arms and want to immediately return to playing. Some people reason that adults play and laugh less than children, because it is just part of growing up. I don’t think it is meant to be this way. I think the reason for this is because we become stuck in our pain and are unable to return to play. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus calls us to return and become like children. I think part of His message is to call us back to play, because without play, we will not see nor enter the Kingdom of Heaven. So, the healing journey for all of us looks just like it does for the child with the skinned knee: recognize our pain, receive comfort, and go play!