Sometimes the most important thing you can do is nothing. As the great theologian Winnie the Pooh said, “Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”
I rediscovered the importance of doing nothing on my summer vacation–long days with no agenda, no obligations, and few phones. Endless hours included time to crochet and read mindless novels that provided mental rest and laughter. Lovely dinners cooked with simple food and glorious sunsets added beauty to the atmosphere of doing nothing.
This was not as easy as it sounds for a girl who is very project and goal oriented. I never touched the little projects and books I had brought along with the thought I’d have time to work on my website or study for a retreat message. Every time I looked at them I heard the Lord say, “No.” So nothing of “value” was done during vacation except:
1. I rested–both physically and mentally.
2. I had a great time with my husband who was also suffering from work withdraw.
3. I found my creative juices slowly regenerating.
4. I let the world be bigger than what I could control.
5. I discovered that not caring about some things is a very important discipline.
6. I learned that it takes several days to really get into the practice of doing nothing.
Since Tom and I take Fridays as our Sabbath, the practice of doing nothing is an ongoing discipline–a spiritual discipline that provides a place and time to connect with God and each other. How do you work the spiritual discipline of doing nothing into your life?
In Him together, Susan Gaddis
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