Whenever I read a book set in the past or a book based on the Amish I'm always struck by the fact that the majority of time their social time is also working time. Barn raising, quilting bees, helping neighbors and friends with the canning or getting together to bake. Even their sitting down time seems to be productive with mending, stitching or knitting. It makes me think about how much our modern society has changed. Idleness seems to be a given today and it's so very easy for me to be idle. But I don't want to be a woman who "eats the bread of idleness" so what can I do to change my idleness into productivity?
First, I guess I need to identiy my idle times. Watching TV and surfing the net are probably the two main areas where I am idle. First TV. Is it realistic to eliminate TV watching all together? I don't think it would work very well in our home beause there are certain shows that we watch together as a family. However, I can use the time to be productive. I could work on a small craft or on my x-stitch while we're watching. I need to make some tags for Christmas gifts - what a perfect time to do it. What about surfing the net? I usually end up doing that during school time while my daughter is reading or working but I need to stay close by if she needs help. Why can't I work on my recipe book or scrapbook some pictures? Right now the biggest hindrance to that is the state of the room. So, why don't I use that time and start to clean and organize it a bit at a time? I spend alot of time in that room each day so why don't I make it a room that is lovely to be in?
I am sure as I become more watchful about being idle I will find many more places that I can improve on. But for now I've got a place to start. I want to honor God and bless my family with my work and as I strive toward that goal I know God will be faithfull.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
(Proverbs 31:27)
Good Morning!
ReplyDeleteWe were just talking about this during our family Bible time the other evening. Our discussion focused more on children than adults, however. My son who coaches was commenting on how he notices that those children who have been taught to be "good workers" at home are so much more responsive to coaching (he coaches boy's soccer). He was saying that our society has done such a disservice to our children by allowing them to be "lazy"...and doing everything for them instead of teaching them to do for themselves and especially for others. Love this post...thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Laura
Your welcome Laura :) ~Alana~
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