Be Not Idle

Last year I took up blogging as a Lenten penance. I took “Be Not Idle” as my title because it jumped out at me from the Bible.

I’ve learned that this title is ironic. For one thing, the passage, Wisdom 14:5, refers to trusting in God’s Wisdom. And I’m a natural worrier.  

The other irony is that I’m rather afraid of being idle, of having nothing pressing to do. The fear is a reason to draw out projects and say “yes” to all requests, no matter how frivolous. It’s been a challenge to see that I needn’t fill my waking hours (and sometimes restless sleeping hours) with tasks. 

Slowly, slowly I’m learning the lesson of Mary and Martha – that being in the presence of the Lord is time well-spent.  Idling isn’t the same thing as sloth.

I’m letting my ideas simmer a little more. I have half a dozen drafts saved; I come back to them and work a little at a time. When they’re ready, I’ll post them.