Hello, my darling,

Welcome back to the blog! I’m sitting here in my cosy conservatory, one of my favourite spots in the house. Even though it’s a bit chilly today (because, let’s face it, it’s the UK!), the warmth from the heater keeps things just right. I’ve got a fresh cup of tea beside me, the steam rising gently from the cup, and the faint taste of vanilla in my mouth. There’s something so calming about the way the tea warms me from the inside out. The conservatory is full of natural light and surrounded by beautiful greenery, making it feel like I’m sitting right in the middle of nature. This space is actually one of the reasons I fell in love with the house when we first bought it, it’s like a peaceful retreat, no matter what the weather is like outside.

Today, I want to talk about something that I believe many of us can relate to, the struggle with idleness. In a world that’s full of distractions, it’s easy to find ourselves wasting time, often without even realising it. Whether it’s mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows, we can sometimes slip into habits that pull us away from the purpose God has for our lives. But the good news is, there’s a way out. We can overcome idleness and cherish the full, life that God has designed for us.

The Struggle with Idleness

I’ve been there myself—the moments when I felt guilty for not being more productive or not accomplishing enough, especially when I compared myself to others who seemed to be effortlessly moving forward. The pressure to be constantly busy can feel overwhelming. I’d find myself thinking, “How do they do it all?” and wondering why the simplest tasks seemed so hard for me.

But as I reflected on this, I realised something important: the enemy loves idleness. When we are idle, we’re more vulnerable to distractions, negativity, and even sinful habits. It’s in these moments of doing nothing that the devil works to lead us astray from God’s plan for our lives. This was a hard truth to face, but it opened my eyes to the importance of staying engaged in meaningful work and purposeful activities that honour God.

Rest vs. Idleness

One of the biggest misconceptions I had was confusing rest with idleness. I thought that resting meant doing nothing, that if I wasn’t constantly on the go, I was being lazy. But there’s a beautiful difference between rest and idleness. Rest is necessary. It’s essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The Bible speaks about the importance of rest, especially in the commandment to observe the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-10). Rest is when we take time to recharge, renew, and restore ourselves so that we can continue fulfilling God’s purpose for us.

On the other hand, idleness is when we avoid doing what we should be doing—when we waste time and opportunities that could be used for something more meaningful. Rest is a gift from God, but idleness is something we must guard against. It’s not about avoiding work or staying busy for the sake of it, but about using our time wisely, with intention and purpose.

Understanding Our Purpose

The Bible is clear about the importance of living with purpose. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we are called to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Every day offers an opportunity to fulfil God’s calling, whether it’s through the big moments or the small, everyday tasks. We’re not meant to be idle but to be active in building the kingdom of God, using our time and gifts to serve Him and others.

When we feel the pull of idleness, it’s essential to remind ourselves of our higher calling. We were created to love our families, serve our communities, and glorify God in everything we do. Every moment, whether it’s folding laundry, making a meal for our loved ones, or spending time in prayer, can be an act of worship if we do it with a heart that is focused on God.

Breaking Free from Idleness

Breaking free from idleness can be challenging, especially when distractions are all around us. But with God’s help, we can transform how we spend our time. It starts with seeking Him first and prioritising our relationship with Him. Even small steps, like putting down our phones or setting boundaries around leisure time, can make a significant difference. These acts of discipline help us stay focused on what truly matters.

Whenever I feel myself slipping into idleness, I remind myself of 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Whether we’re mothers, wives, daughters, or friends, everything we do can reflect God’s love and glory. So instead of falling into idle habits, let’s choose to cherish the tasks before us with joy, knowing that each one is an opportunity to serve Him.

Finding Balance

Of course, balance is key. Rest is essential, but it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t slip into idleness. We need time to refresh and recharge so that we can continue fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. The key is to find balance, taking the necessary breaks and moments of rest, but also using our time to engage in meaningful work that brings glory to God.

As we continue our walk with God, let’s challenge ourselves to use our time wisely. Are we living with purpose? Are we fulfilling the calling God has placed on our lives? If we find ourselves struggling with idleness, let’s turn to God in prayer and ask Him for the strength and wisdom to overcome it. He will guide us and help us stay focused on what truly matters.

Remember, every moment is a gift, and we have the privilege of choosing how to spend it. Let’s choose to live with intention, honouring God in all that we do, and using our time and talents to build His kingdom. The world is watching, and our lives can be a powerful testimony of His love and faithfulness.

Stay blessed, and let’s keep moving forward together, in His strength and for His glory.

Scherise. X