The very best of boredom

The very best of boredom
by Joel Howard

As families, whether from the child or parent's perspective, life can be boring at home.  Monotony, routine, and the day-in and day-out of work around the house can seem...well, boring! 

Maybe that is why the younger son in the story of the Prodigal Son left home early! We all know the story: The father's inheritance would come later, but the younger son took the money and ran to find something exciting; and to find it now! 

I recently wrote a poem on the topic: 

BOREDOM
I used to be bored

At my Father’s home

I used to be bored and 

Terribly alone

I didn’t belong

Or so I assumed 

“Boredom” was but 

An excuse to pursue 

A life somewhere else 

Packed my bags and ran off

Terribly confused

Not understanding the cost

Of a life apart from God 

Apart from home

Apart from grace

Apart from brothers and

Family who each new my name

But the boredom I thought was a curse

The boundaries I assumed were the worst

The failure I tended to feel

Was the normal I’d give anything for right now

The normal that every wise man talks about

The grace of a whisper and scarcely a shout

If home is that boredom 

God I want it now!

“Return to me son!” I hear You say out loud

It’s boring to rest

But it never runs out!

If boredom’s the best

Then God I want it now!

Whether you are bored of working, bored of the monotony of life at home, or uncomfortable with a reoccurring season in your life, Jesus reminds us that although not flashy, desert seasons can be those which draw us closest to his heart.  

Let us not leave home to find the "bigger" and "better" when Jesus wants to meet us in the monotony of the rhythms of our homes.  Come to him in prayer today and may you and your household find the "best of boredom" as you honor him there.