Monday; December 6

Through the years, we have been warned against the evils of boredom. As children we were told that “Idle hands were the devil’s workshop.”. As we get older we realize that not being productive can lead to nosiness and being a busybody. We have a pretty good idea that not being engaged in positive activities can have a detrimental effect, but the other day I noticed something else. Being bored can lead to anxiety. When we are active, we don’t have as much time to fret and worry about things; but when we aren’t finding the fulfillment of accomplishments we have a tendency to focus on what’s wrong – not just with the world, but with ourselves as well. I doubt that this phrase is likely to catch on, but “Idle minds are anxiety’s building blocks.”

Jesus understood the dangers of worry and anxiety when He noted, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34). Even modern society grasps the problem of stress – but maybe we have overlooked a simple answer to the challenge. When we get busy and stay engaged by living lives of purpose we are more likely to not only increase our productivity, but reduce our stress as well.

When we find ourselves starting to stress out, let’s find something to do to keep our hands and our minds occupied. We’ll live better and we might even sleep better as well.

Think About It!