I am doing some post this week on “The Benedictine Handbook”" because implementing these few things, helped me. This is taken from “Saint Benedict’s Rule” from the handbook. (Chapter 48)
“Idleness Is The Enemy Of The Soul”
My Note: There is a big difference between “idleness” and “rest.” Rest is what it says it is, “rest.” Mind and body. “Idleness” is what it says it is, bored, restless, fruitless, mind going a thousand miles a minute, etc. I asked myself what happens to me in “my times of idleness?”
Past and present hurts would usually creep up. From there it would develop into anger and at times, I would find myself giving that person a piece of my mind, and they were not even here! You know the talking to yourself but you are really not! “Do that to me and I will slap you ten ways into the next century,” type thing. (Okay, at least I am honest!) Day shot, gone to hell in a handbasket, and the devil was so accommodating. Tears and boo-hoos.
Fear of tomorrow. Worry of about what is going to happen tomorrow. Are Mom and Dad going to be okay? Am I going to be able to get everything done? Maybe it was finances. Am I going to feel good tomorrow? Anxiety would begin to creep in, and before I knew it, I could not even get done what I needed to do today. Just stupid stuff!
Temptation. I found most of my temptation came during this moment. If I would get up and get to doing something, the temptation would go away.
Circumstances in my life would begin to spiral out of control in my mind. Again, stress and anxiety.
“Idleness is an enemy of our soul” because if we are not careful we can fill it up with so much “junk” there is no room for God. There truly is no “rest” accompanied with “idleness.” Satan is so ready to take advantage of these moments.
In this day and age there is no reason for us to be idle. We have a thousand things at our finger tips. Work is a good cure for it, along with reading, praying, developing your talents, doing good for someone, clean out that closet that has not been touched for a year, take a walk, or spend time with loved ones. Even “blogging” will keep us from being “idle.” It does not take a whole lot or some grand stand play, to prevent it.
If we do not, then it will become one of the worst “enemies our souls” have ever known, because it “attacks the mind.” Our minds are the “devil’s play ground.” Before you know it, our souls are in turmoil.
God Bless, SR
I like the way you articulated the difference between “idleness” and “rest”.
Have you read “Acedia & Me” by Kathleen Norris? She deals with this topic, very beautifully, in this book.
Hey Reinkat,
How is your back doing???? No I have not read it but I will put it on my list of books to read. There is such a difference between “idleness” and “rest.” For me “idleness” drives me insane, and “rest” gives me peace. Anyways, I have enough dogs I should not be “idle.” Just got back from the vet with Sassie. Pray we can help this poor dog! Thanks for comment and God Bless, SR
I will be praying for her.
I am doing much better, thank you for asking.
And you will love this author, every book of hers is a winner.
Hey Reinkat,
Thanks for prayers and am glad you are better. Cannot wait to get the book! Maybe it will have a different ending then the Tudors do:>) Thanks for the wonderful post yesterday. God Bless, SR
Excellent post SR! I can totally relate to what you said about being idle. I’d pretty much do and say similar things like you said during periods of idleness. Blogging,prayer, and cleaning definitely helps me from being idle. I will praying a special prayer for Sassy today so she is healed. God Bless my friend.
Hey Teresa,
Well I am glad I am not alone!!!! I can think of no other company I would rather be in:>) It is funny how our mind can “run a muck” isn’t it?? Yes, we need to stay “busy” as much as possible. God created us to be “doers” not “sitters:>)” Thanks for praying for Sassie. Her little ears need it so bad! She has cost me a fortune in vet bills. Hopefully she can also be at peace and quit scratching! Thanks for comment. God Bless, SR