Created to Play

"Play isn’t about what we accomplish; it’s about who we become in the process."

It’s a really great reminder. Honestly, that is the sentence I kept coming back to on almost every single page of Created to Play.

I’m a fan of Brianna Lambert’s essays so the moment I heard good buzz about this book release, it went straight to the top of my TBR. As someone who constantly struggles with a "work-oriented mindset," I knew I needed what she was serving up. But I didn't expect it to convict me quite as deeply as it did.

We live in a culture obsessed with productivity. The first question we ask anyone we meet is usually, "What do you do?" And somewhere along the line, many of us bought into the lie that hobbies are indulgent; a trivial distraction we only get to enjoy if (and only if) the entire to-do list is conquered first.

Lambert gently flips that narrative on its head. Her core argument is beautiful: when we engage in play and hobbies, we aren't wasting time; we’re posturing ourselves toward worship, self-care, and spiritual formation. She reminds us that "play isn’t about what we accomplish; it’s about who we become in the process."

The Difference Between "Numbing" and "True Rest": This hit me right between the eyes. When we're burned out, our default is usually numbing rest (crashing on the couch, mindlessly scrolling, or sleeping away our exhaustion). Lambert shows how engaging in an intentional, sometimes physical hobby (gardening, running, painting, baking) actually provides rejuvenating rest for our souls.

The 10 Types of Hobbyists: After laying the theological groundwork for play, the bulk of the book explores ten distinct categories of hobbyists. From The Makers (crocheters, artists, model builders) and The Restorers (furniture flippers, puzzle-doers) to The Nourishers, The Heralds, and The Beholders.

What makes this section brilliant is that she doesn't just celebrate the joy of each category. She also calls out our temptations. For example: the pressure to turn every hobby into a monetized side-hustle, the legalism of needing to produce "perfect" results, or the guilt of doing something purely because it brings you delight.

If you’ve ever felt a vague sense of guilt for spending an hour reading fiction, tinkering in the garage, or painting just for the fun of it, Lambert offers a theological permission slip to enjoy God's presence through your interests.

Created to Play is a refreshing, counter-cultural read. It’s a book I didn’t realize how badly my productivity-addicted brain needed. Whether you’re someone who hasn't touched a hobby in years because you're "too busy," or someone who has turned your favorite pastime into an idol of perfectionism, Brianna Lambert offers a grace-filled correction.

"Sometimes beauty must be gathered back and restored." — Brianna Lambert