Do you remember getting bored when you were a kid? Perhaps it was during the slow days of summer break when the soap operas came on after “The Price is Right.” There was nothing on television until the cartoons at 4. What to do? What about those lazy vacation days at the beach when everyone had too much sun and had to go inside? We would say, “I’m bored!” “There’s nothing to do!”  

How we long for those days! We didn’t realize what a gift they were. Many of us would love to have even a few hours each day to be “bored.” 

The idea of writing about boredom this week came to me through a recent TED Talk entitled, “Why You Shouldn’t Trust Boredom” by Dr. Kevin H. Gary, Professor of Education at Valpo University in Valparaiso, Indiana. Dr. Gary is the author of Why Boredom Matters: Education and the Quest for a Meaningful Life. He brought up some thought-provoking concepts in his interview and I wanted to invite you to do some reflection in the area of boredom. 

First, what is boredom? Boredom is a state of mind characterized by a lack of interest, engagement, or stimulation. It is often accompanied by feelings of restlessness, dissatisfaction, and a sense that time is passing slowly. Boredom can lead our minds to wander. We can get bored while sitting in class, worshiping in church or while attending a meeting.  

As I watched Dr. Gary’s interview, I learned that boredom can actually lead us to use our imaginations. This was new to me. After all, using our imagination is good, right? Not if we don’t engage some boundaries.  

For example, imagination can be our best friend. We can create, innovate and grow to new heights though allowing our minds to wander and wonder. This kind of boredom can be channeled into a curiosity where one can become the next Marie Curie, Steve Jobs, Maya Angelou or Henri Nouwen. Think about the amount of time that Jesus had to think, reflect, pray and ponder the scriptures. Or what about the Apostle Paul during his lengthy imprisonments? 

But imagination can also be our worst enemy. When we allow our boredom to determine our decisions and actions, the subsequent distractions can lead to poor choices. Unrestrained boredom and its related imagination can lead us to think the worst about someone or something. Fear can settle in and cause us to make poor decisions rather than relying on faith in God. This can lead us to recoil and miss wonderful opportunities in life because we are afraid to take action. 

Unbridled boredom and its related imagination can also cause people to become restless and seek activities to alleviate the sense of monotony or lack of activity. It is not uncommon for people to use alcohol, drugs or other forms of self-medication in these cases. Others find themselves mindlessly scrolling the Internet and engaging in inappropriate activity which is very destructive. Before long, boredom leads to an addiction. 

It is my hope that we are able to recognize the difference between boredom that is good and helpful versus that which is hurtful and self-destructive. We might need to talk with our counselor, spiritual guide or pastor to process these thoughts and feelings. And that’s okay! Let us keep from feeling like we have to fill every moment with something. But at the same time, let us avoid unrestrained boredom and channel these hours toward things which strengthen our relationship with God: prayer, silence, solitude, scripture, worship, service.  

Here’s a great passage to keep in mind as I close . . . “⁸Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8) 

Grace and peace this Advent season,