It's Christmas break and despite the many awesome gifts that we will receive, there will no doubt be some kids bored to tears and parent baffeled by such things. Frankly, I'm baffeled too. Think about it, wouldn't it make sense that of all the people through all the centuries we should be the least bored culture ever? Given the extent that technology has become so pervasive and new media is being constantly created we have an endless supply of entertainment at our fingertips. Yet we are not satisfied.
We are bored.
Why?
When I was in youth ministry, and a teen complained that they were bored, i would reply, "Only boring people get bored". Then they would roll their eyes and walk away in disgust as if I could never understand.
Still it does bear some personal examination.
Ask yourself: "Am I a boring person or am I..."
We are bored.
Why?
When I was in youth ministry, and a teen complained that they were bored, i would reply, "Only boring people get bored". Then they would roll their eyes and walk away in disgust as if I could never understand.
Still it does bear some personal examination.
Ask yourself: "Am I a boring person or am I..."
- ...being unimaginative?"
- ...just being lazy?"
- ...generally overstimulated?"
- ...discontent about something else"
- ...not good at being still?"
- ...afraid of trying something new?"
I grew up in a rural wooded neighborhood that was about 15 minutes from anything most of my peers would think was fun. On top of that, most of the kids nearby were at least 3 years younger than me or more. During summer break we had times where we were stuck putzing around the subdivision with little to nothing to do, but other times we had some great adventures. We built things, told stories, played games, climbed trees, skinned knees and so on. One summer someone had the bright idea of building a zipline. We decided to use the front forks, handle bars, and wheel of an old bike for the pully and it was amazing! Another time we built our own downhill luges out of 2x4s and skateboard wheels. We were dangerous, but creative and not bored.
Even today I have so many interests and hobbies that I am never bored. There is so much to do, to learn. If I can't engage in any of those for one reason or another, I spend time thinking or dreaming. That is not wasted time either. My imagination is very fertile, there's always something brewing in my head. It's wonderful! Victoria (my late wife) was once asked what it was like to be married to me, she said "well, it's never boring!" I know where she got that answer too, from an interview we saw with Steve Irwin the Crocidile Hunter's wife who gave that exact reply to that same question.
Let's dig a little deeper - I mean spiritual. God himself is never bored. How do I know? Becaue he is the most creative, innovative, active, and imaginative being ever. Don't believe me? Consider the giraffe, narwhal, or a plethora of other amazing creatures or natural phenomenon. Think beyond the planet to the stars and the galaxy. Some pretty amazing creativity there! He didn't just design it all, but he sustains it by his will! Moreover, ponder heaven for a while - despite the rumors to the contrary is the exact opposite of boring. I love how C.S. Lewis described it in his book The Great Divorce. It's awe inspiring. Take time to search scripture on God's amazing creation, character, and deeds. Just pondering these things keeps my imagination active! I am of the conviction that Christians of all people should never be bored or have reason to complain of boredom. We have an amazing Hope in an amazing God for an amazing destiny!
But what are some other practical ways to keep from getting bored this season? Here are some simple things that I came up with off the top of my head to cultivate a less boring life that don't have to include bungee jumping, skydiving, or swimming with sharks. The best part is you can do these at any age or physical ability.
- READ - I love reading the Bible and theology books because God stretches my imagination so much! God is so big and amazing! Read biographies of interesting people that you would like to be like. Read poetry, short stories or something.
- DRAW something, even if it's not an exact representation of what is in your head, practice makes better. Most people give up too soon and don't work at this, but it is a developable skill.
- WRITE - a short story or poem, something that makes you happy, something that happened to you, something! Don't worry about grammar just write something. Blog!
- MAKE MUSIC - in your head or on an instrument, hum, whistle, clap, tap, whatever. Music wakes us up to beauty in the world.
- RESEARCH - Ask deep questions - About the world, God, yourself, others.
- SLOW DOWN - Stop, listen, look, breath - Engage your senses, look for beauty, listen to others around you, be still and ask God to speak - you'll be surprised with how much he does!
- BE THANKFUL - when you praise God for what you do have, you stop looking for what you don't and start enjoying life which leads to contentment.
- HANG OUT - Take initiative and call someone, invite them over, eat food together, play like you used to with them.
- EXPLORE - Get outside and see the world! Take a walk, ride a bike, do something!
- INVENT - a tool, a toy, a game or a fusion of two of your favorite games. A roommate and I once invented a game called "Frockey" - a combination of Frisbee and Hockey.
Share in the comments below what you do to stave off boredom! I bet you have some great ideas too!