Today, I felt like a useless sack of potatoes.
Let’s just say that the dog days of summer have begun…and it’s only June 11th. I’m definitely happy to be done with school. I’m excited for the sunshine, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying some free time. I’m excited to visit the beach, watch Hallmark movies, and cook homemade meals.
But even with all the activities ahead, I know I’ll still experience feelings of boredom.
No Boredom Allowed?
So, friends, are we allowed to experience boredom? After all, my old youth pastor said that if we’re truly living out our faith, we’ll never be bored. Should I be doing more to not be bored?
If I was volunteering at the food pantry, making cards for the sick, cooking meals for the homeless, and sewing blankets for shut-ins, I guess I wouldn’t have time to be bored. And, to be honest, I hate the feeling of boredom because it makes me feel like my life lacks purpose. I feel guilty when I waste my time and don’t use it to help other people.
But rest and relaxation are important, too. We can’t constantly be doing something because we’ll quickly become weary. So where do I draw the line? Where do we draw the line?
The Best Medicine for the Boredom Blues
Of course, we can always do more. We can spend more time helping others, growing in our faith, and learning more about Christ. But how much should we be doing? The Bible doesn’t give us a list of all the activities that we need to do this summer, but the woman from Proverbs 31 provides some insight about how we should spend our time:
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Proverbs 31:27 NKJV)
Boredom is inevitable during the summertime for students, but laziness isn’t. Even though school may be temporarily over, that doesn’t give us an excuse to be lazy. The Proverbs 31 woman took care of her family and stayed busy, even when she could have easily wasted her time.
So what can you do this summer to be intentional, instead of wasting your time?
Should your summer include baking a cake for your new neighbors, going on a mission trip, or sharing the gospel with unsaved friends? Should it involve getting a job, starting your own business, or doing more chores around the house? Should it include reading a book of the Bible, discovering new worship music, or starting a prayer journal?
I have no idea what you should do this summer, but I do know that you should use your summer well. That might sound cliché (and I hate cliché-ness), but it’s the simplest answer. There are countless opportunities for you to grow as a Christian this summer, but only you can choose to pursue them.
Yes, boredom happens. It’s okay to feel a little restless sometimes, as long as you don’t give in to laziness. Like every other season of life, you can make this the best or the worst of times. So choose your activities well. Don’t waste a moment. Look for the opportunities God has given you to work hard, serve others, and grow closer to Him.
Happy Summer!
This post was originally published as Better than Boredom.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 