That two-word phrase is usually said in a negative light. Some parents seem to think that this is a personal failure on their part, if uttered by their offspring. So they develop elaborate schedules and involve their kids in multiple activities so that “God forbid” that they would hear those dreaded words.
Some teens and adults likewise do that they can to prevent themselves from being bored. It is seen as a curse, a sign of laziness, or failure to connect with the latest social event or party.
I wish to argue the case, that boredom is not negative. But, rather can be a positive healthy experience, if viewed properly. The following are my top ten arguments for boredom:
- Boredom means that you have discretionary time. You are not working from sun up to sun down, as many do around the world to survive. Thank God for margin in your life.
- If you are bored you are probably not going thru a major crisis. Pray for those who are experiencing crisis and hardship. Ask if you can provide resources to help them.
- When you are bored you have time to think! Ah, that is such a gift to dream, to plan, to pray, to anticipate.
- That stack of books and reading materials can finally be tackled during the down time of boredom.
- A walk in the woods, a park, or even the neighborhood is a great boredom reliever as you can enjoy God’s creation.
- If you are an outdoors man or woman, boredom gives you the opportunity to be ready for the rush of excitement when the fish strikes or the deer walks into an opening.
- In down time you can enjoy slow food, or sip a cup of coffee.
- This is a great time to talk, in an unhurried manner, with a spouse, child, parent , or friend.
- For the extrovert this is a time to meet new friends.
- It can allow us to obey the directive of God given by David: “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10.
May you be blessed…..and bored! Brian Harris
