What?!
Waste an afternoon?
Ridiculous. I’m too busy. I have things to do. Important things. Or at least things that have been sitting around long enough to become important.
Besides, isn’t wasting time bad? What does “waste an afternoon” even mean?
Apparently, I’m supposed to have something to show for every few hours.
“What did you do this afternoon?”
“Nothing.”
Nothing?
You can’t say that proudly. You’re supposed to look a little ashamed.
And what would I even do?
Take a drive with no destination? Sit somewhere with coffee? Read something that won’t make me richer, smarter, thinner, or more productive?
Take a nap?
Now we’re getting reckless.
And what would people think?
What would my spouse think?
There I am, doing absolutely nothing while perfectly good chores remain available.
Maybe that’s the interesting part.
Why do I feel guilty when I’m not producing something?
I’m not suggesting we stop paying the bills and spend our lives watching squirrels. Although squirrels seem strangely unconcerned about productivity.
I’m wondering whether I’ve confused being busy with being useful.
Jesus rested. He withdrew. He stepped away even when there was still more to do.
There is always more to do.
If I wait until everything is finished before I rest, I may never rest.
So, why not just waste an afternoon?
Shift/Insight
Maybe an afternoon without accomplishment isn’t wasted.
Maybe I’m just uncomfortable when I have nothing to show for it.
Today’s Nudge
Waste an hour.
No project. No productivity. No guilt.
See what happens.
Faith Connection
Jesus never seemed threatened by unfinished work.
I am.
Maybe rest reminds me that the world can keep moving without my constant assistance.