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