What we do for fun

We must be the most boring people on the planet. Whenever W and I have time off, we read, go to tech or book stores, and browse info online. We don't play or cheer sports. We loathe the mall and prefer to watch movies at home rather than in those messy theatres. (Still not reconciled to the garbage and sticky floors, after 25 years here.)

Currently, I'm trying to talk my husband into taking a survey that compares our inclinations and giftings with those of Bible characters. It offers advice on maximizing gifts. I'm thinking he'll come out like Paul in understanding theology, like John in love for Jesus, and like Solomon as a scholar.

Surveys must be one of W's least favorite activities. After a few marriage conferences our first year (the only time we had more than an hour or two together that year?), he put his foot down. "You know I hate taking surveys and answering personal questions. No more." We haven't been to such a conference since, and I know few surveys he willingly takes.

Maybe this time, this one, will be different. Smiles. Maybe not.

I was surprised by the accuracy of parts of the survey for myself. It affirmed that I love changing up my surroundings, enjoy finding out new things, and learn best by interaction with others. That would be me. "Learn to be grateful for what you already have, instead of always looking for the next thing." Yeah, that would indeed be rough spiritual discipline, mostly the not-looking. (I'm focusing on "gratitude" as my motto-of-2012.)

Actually, there is another thing that I do for fun and relaxation. I look forward to the changing of the seasons. I dislike autumn and winter and long for summer all year. That's not the kind of season I mean. I'm referring to changing around decor, by season. Yesterday we had a group of friends over. I wanted to keep the bright decor until they'd visited.

But whoo hoo! This morning I was thrilled to change our LR slipcovers from Christmas pink and red to winter black. Plain black. During my half-hour study break, I folded and put away the old colors, whipped out and replaced with the new. I swapped out cushions and moved things around in the LR, DR, and kitchen to stage the rooms for my own pleasure. I feel absolutely refreshed.

Sure, I still have to ignore Kinsey's PakNPlay, sitting in browns and pastel pinks in the corner. And I'm in the mood to buy 4 more pillows. (No time, luckily for the dear-man-who-budgets-for-us.) Every time I pass the room for a cup of tea, I feel rested and happy. It's amazing what we do for fun.

One of the most blessed gifts from God is our distinctiveness, in personality, experience, and training. What brings you happiness, when a few minutes or an empty half hour wedges itself into your schedule?

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*I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears."Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing." Psalm 34: 1-4, 8-10 NLT

*This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[ sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:5-9 NIV