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Day 70: Don't Worry, Be Happy!


May 24, 2020

 The dictionary definition of bored is “feeling weary because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one’s current activity".  The definition for misery is “a state or feeling of great distress or discomfort of mind or body".  For many people, boredom is a source of intense misery.  That is probably where the expression “I was bored to death”, came from.  So, what is the cure for boredom? If you google that get ready for an overload of information.  The good news is maybe you won’t be bored anymore.  Just reading the list and tossing out the “thanks, but no thanks” ideas will occupy at least a couple of hours of your day.  The human brain and body crave stimulation and new experiences.  That’s why, as soon as places of business reopened, people flooded from their houses, forgetting or not caring about the guidelines for staying safe during this pandemic.  For some, the pandemic of boredom overshadows the fear of the corona virus, and perhaps interferes with otherwise good judgement.  They desperately crave interaction and a change of scenery.  It’s kind of like the birds that are all over my little sidewalk right now.  They are all hanging out and flying in and out because there is a little bowl of cat food sitting outside the laundry room door.  We don’t always have it there, but when we do, they come from all over.  Kind of risky, considering they are birds and the attraction is CAT food.  But I guess they are bored with the four bird feeders and two peanut butter suets we have hanging in the yard.  Hope their boredom doesn’t cloud their judgement because our three cats are constantly on the prowl.  (The phrase, “you are what you eat”, comes to mind as they dive in for yet another piece of cat food.)  During these mentally challenging times, we must fight the good fight within our own minds with help from God.  We certainly can’t endure all this boredom and fear alone.  He understands how we feel, and He will bring us peace of mind if we ask.  He will help us not give in to the misery of boredom or the fear of the unknown; and stay focused on protecting our health and the health of those we love who are at high risk during this time.  Go out (fly) if you must but be smart.  Don’t try to grab the biggest piece of cat food when the cat is two feet away.  Guard your body and your mind.  Philippians 4:8 says this: “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.”  Isaiah 26:3 says: “He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!”  Don’t worry and don’t be bored, be thankful and be happy!  Smile and be joyful!

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