Meaning In The Mundane
"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily, as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving is the Lord Jesus Christ." ~ Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP).
I didn’t understand! He tried again. “Anyone who has the Life of God cannot be bored. It’s impossible!” My folks were diligent “boredom busters.” They saw to it that I always had things to do: crafts, sports, family projects, pets, whatever. They understood that I was always looking for the next “big thing” upon which I could hang my expectations. As exciting as it was growing up in my family, boredom would still creep up on me and overshadow my world.
“I’m so bored, that I’m bored of being bored!” My dad had enough of my whining. “Boredom is an attitude, Arthur. You cannot be bored unless you want to be.” He knew something that I didn’t!
Boredom is the close cousin of impatience and is in cahoots with distraction and depression. French Author and Historian, Jules Renard, said, “Being bored is an insult to oneself.” Living in a world saturated with stimuli, that boredom even exists, is a phenomenon! Alas, the real source of the mundane cannot be the world in which we live. It must have to do with the human condition and this long road trip we’ve embarked on, called Life. It’s proven, boredom is one of the highest hurdles in the human race.
Even the best road trips have mundane miles.
Learning how to deal with boredom is a natural part of growing up. But be assured, if boredom is permitted to have a voice in your soul, it can grow to take control; control of your emotions, your decisions, and even the direction of your life. Many blame their failures, their addictions and bad behaviors on being bored. Though feeling bored is not a sin, our enemy knows how to take advantage of us when we are listless, passionless and without focus.
I’ve worked directly with precious people for 35 years. In my experience, one of the dominant differences between people who are happy and those who are merely surviving the journey is how they perceive and prevail over boredom.
There’s meaning in the mundane. This is true for all humans, but especially so for the Child of God. Here are five keys to remember when boredom is creeping up on you:
Remember that God sees your life from beginning to end and has an overarching purpose for all of it. In perfect love and wisdom, He uses everything to that end.
The mundane is an opportunity to trust God in the small things and find sincere appreciation in the simple. Missing the amazing searching for the astonishing is easy.
The mundane miles are a reminder that God orders our steps, (one-at-a-time), as much as He has the map for our entire trip.
When boredom strikes, it’s because you’ve allowed your desires to shift, outwardly. Outward cravings and appetites, even the harmless ones, will never be satisfied and are quickly bored. Your life will never be dull when fellowship with God’s Spirit, hearing His voice and following His lead is the passion of your heart.
What many may describe as a dreary day, learn to use for your rest and restoration. This way, when you need strength and energy, you’re not worn out just going from activity to activity. Be refreshed in the mundane!
You have a divine destiny to fulfill and a destination to reach. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted from your aim or diluted in your passions. Learn to deal a death blow to boredom and find meaning in the mundane. When all is quiet, and the excitement of the world has waned, God is waiting. He will meet you there.