“Good times” may be either work or play. But work and play—who shall define them truly?

Our block houses, toy engines, and dolls once seemed intensely real and important to us. They are not so now. In the same way, as we grow into the still larger consciousness, into the “life more abundant,” much that we now regard as of grave moment will take on a new aspect, and we shall see that it was only play. But play is blessed, and necessary to the very growth that discards it.

A dear enthusiast in certain lines of work, who is himself growing, I am sure, once publicly expressed the belief that too close (!) an adherence to the Christian Endeavor pledge results in a kind of “paperdolatry” tending toward idleness and pauperism. Dear, dear! Can this be true?

A look around the social and business world of to-day ought to settle the question. We take the look, and breathe more freely. Endeavorers here, Endeavorers there, in places of honor and responsibility—what could our good friend have been thinking about? We must be permitted to smile, and think that on consideration he will smile, too. In fact, the smile cure is the best one for this and all other kinds of pessimism.

Yet we are serious, too. In God’s great kindergarten, where we are all scholars, learning through our play-work how to live, who shall say which plays are most—or least—important?

One thing is certain. He who said, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven,” was speaking of those whose only conscious motive was play—natural, graceful, happy, loving life-expression. The growth resulting was involuntary. With the growth came new impulses, new activities, and new growth. It is the plan, in God’s kindergarten. Brother, if we would grow, let us not be afraid of play!

To those whose loving ministry among the Juniors finds frequent occasion for new plans, this little companion volume to “Eighty Pleasant Evenings” is offered by one who has found both joy and growth in preparing it. The proportion of the articles original with the compiler is larger than in any of her previous collections; but ideas from other sources have been welcomed and utilized whenever they could be made to fit the Juniors’ needs.

Credit for specially contributed articles is due to Mr. Vincent Van Marter Beede, Miss Imogen A. Storey, Miss Mattie Marie Gamble, Miss Ida M. Parmelee, and Miss Alice Chadwick. The aim has been to make each evening or afternoon as complete as possible in itself. The games described are therefore included in the socials and parties, but in addition to the general table of contents a separate index of games alone is given, thus helping those who may frequently wish to try new combinations.

With a smile and a prayer the writer sends forth this beloved piece of her own life-expression, knowing that it will reach just the right hands.

Yours in Christian Endeavor,
Lilian M. Heath.