Sabbath Day Litmus Test

When I was little, I remember begging my mom to let me play outside on Sunday afternoon after church. As part of my persuasive argument as to why she should grant my request, I promised I would "think about Jesus the WHOLE time" and once I think I even said I would name the books of the Book of Mormon with every pump of my legs on our swingset. I don't think my argument always worked with my mom, but sometimes it did, because I do remember playing outside on the Sabbath (even if it was in my dress because our family did not change from our Sunday clothes).

I have been thinking today about appropriate Sunday activities. Mostly because I found out today that, despite my best efforts, Princess' ballet recital will be held on Sunday. I mean, I would rather her not be in a ballet recital on Sunday, but when it comes down to it, is a ballet recital really inappropriate? I remember playing in piano recitals on Sunday. Was that appropriate? I remember going to many music based firesides on Sunday. Maybe when it comes to the arts just gospel singing and instrumental music is good for Sunday. How about a lyrical dance concerts to church? What if the songs are by Afterglow?

I don't want my kids playing soccer on Sunday. Does the level of physical exertion make the difference? What if they are exceptionally good at their sport (the Steve Young exception)? What if the activity is a once a year Sunday event? What if their absence lets their team down? Do you make an exception? Or is this the slippery slope down to hell?

I have seen a lot of posts about birthday parties on Sundays. Most people have come to the conclusion of a blanket "no". Before I came to a blanket conclusion of my own, I was faced with a Sunday birthday party invite for Princess. We decided to go. In the end, I feel (through circumstances that were unknown to me beforehand) that it was indeed the right (or at least an okay) thing to do on Sunday. Then I think about all the times we have had people over on Sunday to eat and visit - family and friends (especially at the times when we had no family close). The kids play (while thinking about Jesus of course). We sometimes even break out a boardgame or two. Some people might even call it a "party". And I don't feel inappropriate (maybe I should?) Is it the cake and invitations that make a difference? Or maybe the magician and the bounce house? But what if the birthday party doesn't have a bounce house? Or is it because the families who have their parties on Sundays are non-members? Is it more appropriate to associate with members on Sunday than non? Doesn't seem like it should matter, but my past activities and the culturally accepted sabbath activities make it seem otherwise.

There are the obvious activities that add to the "holiness" of the day like scripture reading and service (though I know some people who would feel uncomfortable helping in a soup kitchen on a sunday but would be fine with spending an hour fixing a nice Sunday dinner for their own family). Family bonding seems to open the door for more interpretation. How about a Sunday drive? No, gas is too expensive these days :). How about a family bike ride? What if your "family" happens to be made up of friends at the moment?

I know there are a ton of questions in this post. They are mostly rhetorical. My question is not where you draw the line, but why you have decided to draw the line where you do? Have you come up with a litmus test that seems to be working for your family when it comes to deciding on Sabbath day activities? Do you think your litmus test will always hold true? Do you think it might change as your children grow older? Or if they turn out to be really good at soccer :)?