As children, we stayed in good physical shape because we always were playing in the yard, riding bikes, jumping rope, swimming or climbing trees. We stayed in good mental shape because our play provided a workout for our imaginations.

We became the characters in our forts, the dolls in our dollhouses, the soldiers on our battlefields, the sports heroes in our stadiums. We lived all that we imagined as we vicariously placed ourselves in the situations we'd imagined.

Then we grew up and shelved our imaginations so we could engage the real world.  Let me confess: This article is more than a compilation of best-ever game ideas. In many ways, it's a cry for all of us to develop richer imaginations, tapping into our God-given creativity. I believe play is necessary for good mental and physical health. Play relieves stress, boosts self-esteem and builds community. I'll bet you need all three of those play benefits in your life. I know I do.

Many games that formerly were played for fun have evolved into professional sports. In spite of what a nation of couch potatoes tells you, watching someone play a sport is not the same thing as playing a game yourself. Part of what distinguishes a true game from a professional sport is how much fun the participants are having in the process. When was the last time you saw a professional athlete laugh during a game? Amateurs do it all the time! It happens so often when friends get together; it's not unusual for a game to be suspended until the laughter subsides and participants can resume play.

Games are not an end in themselves. They are one component in a healthy youth ministry. I've always believed the best adult youth leaders are two-thirds adult and one-third kid. Don't reverse this equation or you'll quickly be in high weeds! Don't forget to honor that third of you that's still looking to call up some friends to go out and play. It's your ticket to building relationships with teenagers and having a blast as you do.

We need to have fun and play games because God commands us to rest from work, to break the pattern of work and its grip on our daily lives, schedules and thinking. Those of us who value play have a biblical basis for seeing play as important: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…" (Eccl. 3:1-6).

Hang on to those giggles and the laughter coming from your youth room. Count yourself fortunate that your kids can be kids in a society that forces them to grow up so quickly. We all will need those memories someday when we face those experiences in life that cause us to pray as Jesus did in the garden.

Some of our deepest theological thinkers also have been fun to be around and enjoyed play…or wished they did.

Martin Luther wrote, "It is pleasing to the dear Lord whenever thou rejoicest or laughest from the bottom of thy heart." Sounds like a guy I'd want at the next youth retreat during game time.