What To Do When You Do Nothing

I knew I had scheduled surgery for just before Christmas. Dr. Hood said I was to sit around and take it easy for two weeks and then I could gradually add things. I would be off work for 3-6 weeks. I knew that sitting still and taking it easy was not going to be easy.

I planned for some last minute Amazon Christmas shopping. I made myself a little stack of things I wanted to read and some stitching I wanted to do, etc. I thought about some people I needed to visit. (I know maybe that isn’t taking it easy).

I have spent the last 40 years of my life in a constant state of busy. When suddenly everything stops it can be a shock. I know that most of you do not have 11 children and 4 grandchildren or maybe a full-time job. But maybe just maybe you have had to occupy yourself when you broke a foot or had surgery or were caregiving for someone who did. Maybe some of my thoughts and ideas might help you or someone you know who is going through the same thing. Either way, remember I have to occupy my time doing something so humor me!

1. Bible Reading – Don’t we wish for more time to spend in the word? Choose one book of the Bible and read that over and over. You will remember this season by that book.
2. Memorize Scripture. Hide God’s word in your heart. Quote to yourself scriptures you already know by heart. Try the ABC verses.
3. Pray – there are so many needs in the world and so many people who appreciate and long for you to ask God to help them, bless them, strengthen them, provide for them, these are apart from your own spiritual and physical needs. I do ok until someone asks me how are you doing spiritually? I think Satan wants me to focus on physical and not the things in my heart that need addressing. So now may be a good time to reflect. How am I doing? How do I show God’s love? How do I live my faith? How do I live my faith right where I am now?
4. Devotional books can encourage your heart. My friend Lee gave me the book, Earth Psalms: Reflections on How God Speaks Through Nature by Francine Rivers. This is a beautiful book with great thoughts.



5. Books you have wanted to read can be a source of entertainment, education, or just recreation depending on the book.
6. Phone calls to friends and family you may not have time to call as often as you would like and “catching up is fun to do”
7. Projects whether painting, sewing, or some other type of craft
8. Goal setting
9. Movie watching (one of my least favorites but sometimes you get desperate)
10. Computer research about something you really want to know more about or have a great need to learn about (like Malawi laws, etc.)
11. Watch YouTube Videos of people doing interesting things
12. Write on your blog or start one if you don’t have one
13. Annoy your children with lots of things they can help you do – like unfinished projects
14. Direct an organizing spree (no you can’t lift) but you can throw out or have someone do so
15. Pay your medical bills online or fill out and file needed documents
16. Cook or bake as allowed
17. Online shopping
18. Plan projects
19. Prepare lessons (Bible classes, talks, etc. you may have the opportunity to share in the future)