A couple of months ago most of us had never heard of COVID-19; now all of us have had our lives disrupted by it. How quickly things can change: No restaurants to dine in, no movie theaters open, no schools in session, no church services to attend. In April 2020, with much of the world in quarantine, or “shelter at home”, as they call it, one word that I’ve heard often is bored. My grandkids have said it and I’ve heard many adults as well say they are bored. Boredom is everywhere. Many are cooped up, lonely, and restless, and not sure what to do with themselves.
One of the blessings that this has afforded many of us is the blessing of boredom. We need to rediscover the value of boredom in a world that is dominated by so many places to go and so many things to do. We have been stressed out, distracted, and overworked, plagued by eye strain and brain fog — but we were not bored. It seems almost sacrilege to admit to boredom with so many people suffering from this virus. But as dumb as this may sound, maybe boredom is what we need. Especially now.
In my own neighborhood, I have seen complete families taking walks together, riding bikes, playing together in their yards. Heck, we even had a dodge-ball game with my grandkids the other day. I have spent some time star gazing in my back yard and I even watched the International Space Station fly over my house one evening, thanks to a heads-up from one of my children. During this boredom I have observed people become more creative and expressive of their artistic talents.
I just pray as things slowly return to normal (and it will) that we will value faith and family more than before. I pray we will not take the blessing of attending a church service together or simply dining at a restaurant for granted. This boredom could be the path to our salvation, the mending of our marriages and the gift to reconnect with our families.
Great word! So true!
I think you are right. Only something like this could force us to a complete halt. If it were not tied to economics I think you would see plenty of people that are not so interested in jumping back on the hamster wheel. The things that are important or should be important rise to the surface when they are not competing with all the distractions. It is nice to be reminded. I do however look forward to the community of church that is as important to most of us as the worship and message. See you there!
Hi Apostle Dell,
I’m working from home and we had a leadership meeting last Monday-which we open up with wins. We could share a professional or personal win. Well it was my turn and I proceeded to share with the team that Rachel and I discovered a convoy of ants carrying a dead firefly, to only the Lord knows where, in my flower bed. I was excited and expressed my joy of seeing this taken place before my eyes. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen an ant carrying a crumb, but never a convoy of ants carrying anything; this is only seen on TV. Lol!!! BUGS LIFE!! They thought I had gone bonkers; staying in was effecting me in some way. I proceeded to express this as my win because as crazy as it sounded, I saw the simple, the beauty of all these ants working together to accomplish a goal that I may not have taken the time to watch because I was racing against the clock. It’s like stopping to smell the roses again and remembering these moments are the moments we want to hold on to.
I just thought I’d share.
Hello Pastor Dell,
To me boredom is a real thing I can say that this virus has made me closer to Jes7s 8n many ways. It has stretched my whole life to cherish every moment of life and to embrace papa to let him embrace you. If we would learn to embrace the Father he will show us how not to be bored shalom
Amen Pastor, so true! I could not even imagine something like this happening in our lifetime, but it has caused us to slow down tremendously. I have never seen so many people walking and biking in my neighborhood.
Pastor Dell, I definitely agree with you that boredom can be a blessing. For example, I can remember my childhood days, and when I became an adult with a family of my own, how I enjoyed my siblings and parents . Being in close proximity with each other, we really had the opportunity to learn things about and from each other. We ate, played, and prayed together, snd got on each other nerves (siblings), but we enjoyed spending quality time with each other.
For me, boredom is a blessing. It clears my mind and help me to focus on things that are really important to me, different ways that I can help others, and pour into them and help them grow.
Amen…Miss my church family but the street ministry has been very much a blessing. There is power in the blood of Jesus and taking a walk around the neighborhood Ora lee west has been been a great time to worship the Lord in His presence and to share His presence with my new neighbors. I Love yall. Jesus is alive making us Alive and Well.
Amen! I am thankful to evaluate what was important and establish a new normal with emphasis on others, praise, and gratitude! I am looking forward to each opportunity and creative method of accomplishing that plan. God is faithful!