Seriously why do we do it?
Breakfast/lunch/dinner took place about an hour ago (sometimes more or less time has passed) and we find ourselves getting up from what we are doing (or not doing) and wandering into the kitchen. We saunter up to the fridge, yank on that handle, and stare into the refrigerator aimlessly; searching for something that will fill a void we think we have. We just sort of stare. Looking to see if anything tickles our fancy. We are not necessarily hungry or thirsty but we look to see if anything grabs our attention.
I don’t know about you, but when this happens to me, it is usually when I am idle. If I am sitting in my recliner watching TV or lounging on the couch playing a computer game, I find myself doing it all the time. Watching the game or in the midst of a Netflix binge is another prime example of when this happens. Rarely when I am chopping firewood or mowing the lawn, do I wander into the house and stare into the maw of the chill chest for no apparent reason.
I think the same thing is seen in the nature of our humanity. When we become idle in our relationships, they struggle. When we become lazy in our marriages, it can lead to many missteps. Looking at things we should not on our phones, computers, and TV’s. “Harmless” flirting with someone at work or a place we frequent that can quickly become far more than we intended. It can cause us to pick up habits or behaviors that are incompatible with the faith and life we are commanded to have.
What is it about our idleness that causes us to want something we do not have… and not necessarily something specific? Why is it that we find ourselves with wandering eyes and stomachs when not engaged in a task or activity? Is there something about an idle mind versus an engaged mind that leads us to take particular actions or inactions?
Proverbs 19:15 says, “Laziness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle man will suffer hunger.”
Who says that the bible is not applicable today? Sounds accurate to me.
Timothy Ferriss said, “I’m not a fan of idleness, except in small doses.” and Ezra Cornell said, “Idleness is to the human mind like rust to iron.”
Take a moment today and examine your actions. Are you allowing too much idleness in your life? Do you see it causing you to slip a little? How many times do you walk to the fridge and stare into it looking for something but having no idea what you are looking for?
Lets try to redeem our time well and focus on things that really matter.
And stop staring at the fridge… the same stuff is in there now that was in there an hour ago.