How I Waste Time

As I struggle to prioritize "my life" at the moment, I'm torn between doing the things that will get me through school and the things that really matter, like considering God and taking time to pray and even just taking time to think (because yes, we Christians really ought to think sometimes) about the issues I'm facing, decisions to make--and priorities I should have.

Should I begin working on a reading assignment, or should I put it off until Thanksgiving break? I'd really like to get at least half of it done so that I can finally sell the book back and have money to live off of--but, really, I should be creating lesson plans because they're due on Tuesday, before Thanksgiving--but I really don't think they'll take that long to do, though they'll probably take longer than I have time for right now. And when on earth should I clean my room, because it's been a couple of weeks...but, gosh, I'm so distracted by questions like "what is it like to really be proud of your country?" and "aren't Christians supposed to care more about God than their country?" and "where will I be teaching next year?" and "couldn't I be using this musing time for more constructive things?".

So, by the time all of this has happened, I could have at least vacuumed the floor--and I lose even more time considering everything I could have done with the time I just wasted, then try to decide what to do again and the cycle continues until it's time to head off to my next real appointment, and I've gotten nothing done.

Maybe I need to re-read The Purpose-Driven Life--in those spare moments.

The Bum Thumb

Recently, I injured my thumb to such an extent that it was rendered essentially useless for over a week. (Don't worry; the injury is in no way permanent, though the scar may prove quite lasting, and besides the initial injury I have felt no pain.)

Honestly, you never realize how much you use your thumbs until one of them is incapacitated. Showers took twice as long, washing dishes became a chore, even fastening buttons became a complicated maneuver--and my handwriting suffered probably more than I did.

So, I now have a much better understanding of the passage in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul explains how the church is like a body--the very body of Christ, in fact. In order for a body to function most effectively, each part should be in tip-top shape. If one part is rendered useless, the other functions of the body also suffer, having to do jobs for which they are not designed in order to pick up that part's slack. I can function without using that thumb--but everything takes longer and, in the case of my handwriting, doesn't turn out quite like it should.

Please don't be the bum thumb in your body, wherever you are. Take steps to discover your area of usefulness--and then use it! Bum thumbs are no fun.

An Interactive Post

Today's post is going to be what we education-types call "interactive." In this particular case, it means that I'm going to post a short passage (from nothing else but the book Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne, no less!) followed by a guiding question, and anyone who cares to respond may do so in whatever way he/she thinks fits.

"'Eeyore,' said Owl, 'Christopher Robin is giving a party.'

"'Very interesting,' said Eeyore. 'I suppose they will be sending me down the odd bits which got trodden on. Kind and Thoughtful. Not at all, don't mention it.'

"'There is an Invitation for you.'

"'What's that like?'

"'An Invitation!'

"'Yes, I heard you. Who dropped it?'

"'This isn't anything to eat, it's asking you to the party. Tomorrow.'

"Eeyore shook his head slowly.

"'You mean Piglet. The little fellow with the excited ears. That's Piglet. I'll tell him.'

"'No, no!' said Owl, getting quite fussy. 'It's you!'

"'Are you sure?'

"'Of course I'm sure. Christopher Robin said "All of them! Tell all of them."'

"'All of them, except Eeyore?'

"'All of them,' said Owl sulkily.

"'Ah!' said Eeyore. 'A mistake, no doubt, but still, I shall come. Only don't blame me if it rains.'" (152-53)

(Milne, A. A. Winnie the Pooh. New York: Puffin Books, 1992.)

So, based on this passage, I would ask:

1. Does this remind you of anything, to start with?

2. Have you ever felt like Eeyore did here? (Explain, if you wish)

3. Have you ever met anyone who behaved like Eeyore? (Elaborate, if you want)

4. Have you ever responded like Owl to someone like Eeyore? (Tell us how, if you're comfortable)

5. (And this one's really deep:) Do you suppose there are people who respond to salvation in the same way that Eeyore responds to the idea of an invitation specifically for him? How should we respond to such people's incredulous questions? What do we do if they don't believe us, in the end?

Just for your consideration. Respond to as many or as few as you wish.

Be seeing you!