Bored?
Have you recently heard someone say they are bored? What does it mean? I poled a hundred or so by email and received some interesting feedback.
One person told me that being bored used to be a good thing for it caused people to become creative to end their boredom. I learned from another that amongst teens and twenty somethings involved in social networking via the internet, the comment “I am bored” has a different meaning. It is sometimes an announcement that they are online as well as a request for others to chat with them. It can also be nothing more than a filler statement, along the order of someone saying uhmmm, or uhhhh during a lull in the conversation.But what if a person of any age, young or old actually is bored? What can you say that might help?It could mean the person needs to be given some responsibilities or reminded of what responsibilities they already have. My father-in-law used to say that anyone who has a house or a car always has work to do. Properly understanding the role of a spouse or parent can usually fill up any excess time where a person could feel bored.It could be a contemporary concept of entertainment that is the problem. Some believe they should feel entertained every waking moment. Between TV’s, radios, laptops, cell phones, and i pods, if they want, people can keep themselves immersed in video and audio media or text messages almost every waking moment There is nothing wrong with any of those technologies in themselves. I enjoy them myself. But we do need to make sure we prayerfully keep them less than an overwhelming portion of our lives.
The feeling of boredom can be useful if it reminds you it is your own responsibility to manage your time wisely and usefully. A simple chore might be slipped in. A delayed project may be started or an unfinished one may be completed. Available time might enable one to read a book, play a game, get some exercise, read a book, talk to family, or contact friends.
Another person wrote, “There are many things that can be done to encourage and help others- write a letter to a shut-in or soldiers, bake cookies for friends, family or neighbors, make a card for someone who is ill, offer to weed a flower bed for a neighbor or even for mom or dad. The list is endless if you open your eyes and look for an opportunity.” Believers could add to the list reading the Bible or talking to God and enjoying His presence.A younger generation respondent suggested the following:
1. There’s almost always something productive that can be done around the house, just ask or take initiative.
2. Video games are cool, hobbies are better (build something or collect something). Note to parents: It helps to provide toys and games to children that encourage imagination and creativity since those things are ultimately what develops creativity and the ability of a person to find something fun to do. It is not uncommon to walk into a store and see a wide array of toys and games that basically allow no room for imagination on the part of children. They push a button and something happens whether that be a robotic interactive toy or video game.
3. If able to get a job, even part-time, do it. Odds are most friends to hang out with already have one anyway and it’s good to earn money to fund hang-out time with friends, or that hobby.
4. God is AMAZING. It is absolutely true that if one reads the Bible and puts effort into paying attention to it, what is gained is absolutely incredible. And as a bonus, you get closer to God by doing it too!Occasionally the statement “I am bored” may point to a larger issue, “What is the purpose of my life?” Ephesians 2:10 teaches us that God has created and saved us for a purpose. The hurting need to be loved. Believers need to be encouraged. Widows and orphans need to be visited and helped. Unbelievers need to hear the gospel. When a believer learns thay have such important God-given purposes that are not yet fulfilled, there is always something to do.
1. There’s almost always something productive that can be done around the house, just ask or take initiative.
2. Video games are cool, hobbies are better (build something or collect something). Note to parents: It helps to provide toys and games to children that encourage imagination and creativity since those things are ultimately what develops creativity and the ability of a person to find something fun to do. It is not uncommon to walk into a store and see a wide array of toys and games that basically allow no room for imagination on the part of children. They push a button and something happens whether that be a robotic interactive toy or video game.
3. If able to get a job, even part-time, do it. Odds are most friends to hang out with already have one anyway and it’s good to earn money to fund hang-out time with friends, or that hobby.
4. God is AMAZING. It is absolutely true that if one reads the Bible and puts effort into paying attention to it, what is gained is absolutely incredible. And as a bonus, you get closer to God by doing it too!Occasionally the statement “I am bored” may point to a larger issue, “What is the purpose of my life?” Ephesians 2:10 teaches us that God has created and saved us for a purpose. The hurting need to be loved. Believers need to be encouraged. Widows and orphans need to be visited and helped. Unbelievers need to hear the gospel. When a believer learns thay have such important God-given purposes that are not yet fulfilled, there is always something to do.
Dr. John M. Gauger, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Perryville, Maryland
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