In Praise of Boredom

In Praise of Boredom.

My sister recently posted the following meme: ‘I love it when the kids tell me they are bored.  As though the lady in front of the sink full of dirty dishes is where you go to find out about how to have a good time.’  As I chuckled, I also realized how true it was.  The lady doing the washing up does indeed know a thing or two about ‘good times’.

As I child, I learnt to play the piano.  I don’t remember it as a happy experience and I was allowed (finally) to drop it at the age of 13.  Now 51 years later, I have taken up playing again and have been surprised at the delight it is giving me.  The big difference is not age but the wisdom I have gained in knowing that the boredom is part of the process of learning:  practice isn’t fun but it is necessary.

So many of the good things in our lives entail large chunks of boredom.  Washing the dishes is probably one of the least of them.  Yet we do those boring things for love.  Indeed, the boring things can show what is most precious to us and make us capable of loving even more. It can carve our spaces in our hearts that we didn’t know were there. Then in the big open spaces of boredom, we may be surprised by the delight of love.

Loving God, let me recognise and appreciate the boring things of my life. Let me give myself lovingly in those time and find beneath the boredom just how much I love my family, myself and you.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Party Time

Party Time

One of Jesus’ favourite images for the Kingdom of Heaven is of a party. Admittedly he uses the terms ‘banquet’ or ‘wedding feast’ but then these are just fancy words for ‘great party.’  When we look at how Jesus uses the image of a party, we realise that to be a follower of his we need to develop party skills.

Firstly, we need to be able to join in.  That is, leave our work and our role behind and be free enough to be with people just as we are.

Secondly, we need to be able to celebrate, to be joyful.  Nobody wants to party with someone who brings all their emotional baggage along.  At these times, we need to be generous enough to leave our sorrows and preoccupations behind and share joy with others.

Thirdly, we need to look out for others.  We need to notice and encourage the shy ones, pass round the food and drink, let the weary get a space to rest.

Fourthly, we don’t have to be the centre of attention.  It is not ‘all about me’ but rather ‘about us’.

These skills can be used not only at parties but often when we are with our family, friends or community.  As we hone these skills, we will discover that the Kingdom of Heaven truly is in our midst and that we are revealing the face of God to others.

Loving God, you sent your Son Jesus into our world that we may learn how to join in your life of joy and love.  Send us your Spirit that we know how to share your joy and love with others.  We ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Love Changes Everything

Love Changes Everything

What do we tell out children about the awful things that happen in this world?  The reports about Sri Lanka flood our scenes with the people in that country fearful of a descent back into civil war.  We don’t want them to learn from that.  But when we look beyond the traumatic event, we can hear of other stories – people who chose to go back into the bombed places to aid others, the people of every religion that gave blood to help the victims.  They are the people who chose to respond with love in the face of hatred.   We have to take extra effort to find those stories but they are there.

Those who respond with love in the face of hatred are the people of the Resurrection.  No matter how much pain and rejection Jesus had thrown at him, he responded with love.   So how do we teach this to our children?  By responding with love and goodness when we are neglected, used, and even abused. No, Jesus did not lie down and take it.  He came back transformed.  Children can so easily press out negative buttons and it often takes real grace and the wisdom of God to respond positively.

How we celebrate Anzac Day is another example of how Love can change everything.  On the surface, the day could be seen as a celebration of war but listen to where the majority of people choose to look.  Not at the ‘glory’ of war but at the courage, sacrifice and care that was shown by so many of those who served.  We look to these that we might be inspired to do the same in our own lives.

Loving Father, let me know how to show my children how to be positive and creative in negative situations.  May they learn how to draw on the loving strength of Jesus to respond to all with love.  I ask this in his name, confident that you will hear me. 

Sr Kym Harris osb