A Lazy Sunny Day

Today is a gorgeous spring day in the Bluegrass.  The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and I have all the time I need.  My daughter went to her Ahma and Dodo’s (her name for my husband’s parents) house for Spring Break, and my hubby is working all day.  I have the house to myself and nothing on the calendar.  And yet, I am feeling lazy. 

I have PLENTY to do or could be doing.  With no two-year-old under foot, I could clean and put laundry away without any trouble.  I have lessons for church to prepare (and I am doing some of that), and I have a chapter in a book to write.  I could get the garden ready for planting, and I could take the dog for a walk.  But I am having trouble finding the energy. 

Why?

Well, perhaps it is because I don’t have a two-year-old under foot, asking to play or needing a meal prepared or diaper changed.  I don’t have anyone here to keep me on task or accountable. 

I do best when I have someone who needs me or expects me to be busy.  I confess.  Because even as I write these words, I realize that VERY few people have the opportunity to not do anything.  #firstworldproblems

And as someone with time on her side, I should be doing everything I can as a response to the blessings I have received. 

When I lived in LA the first time, I was a teenager with little responsibilities.  I only had to think of myself, and when I wasn’t working (which was most of the time), I did very little.  I didn’t even run outside or go to the beach.  And I could have volunteered at any one of the numerous mission sites around Hollywood.  But I didn’t.  And I am sorry. 

I am no longer a teenager.  I have no excuse not be to making the world a better place.  I have the ability to get out and do and speak and love and give thanks.  And I shouldn’t rely on a child or partner to ask me to do something in order for me to go and do. 

As a child of God, I am already held to high responsibility of loving my neighbors and myself. 

I have already been given “a land that will be full of large and wonderful towns that you didn't build, houses stocked with all kinds of goods that you didn't stock, cisterns that you didn't make, vineyards and olive trees that you didn't plant.” (Deut. 6:10-12) I will eat and get stuffed, but I must watch myself and not forget that it was God who did and does all these things.

When I am tempted to be lazy, I must be careful to remember who I am and to whom I belong.  I am called to care for more than me, myself, and I.  I no longer wish to be in that place without responsibility.  I am grateful for people who count on me to bring a clean diaper, folded clothes, and a Good Word.  May God grant me the energy to do what I ought, even when I have the house to myself.


#ShapedByGod