Today I Will Do Nothing

We’ve been programmed to feel guilty when we do absolutely nothing for a day or for a few hours. Even if it’s a weekend, sometimes I find myself trying to set a schedule for myself just so I do not waste the day away. But there are times when you absolutely have to do nothing in order to recharge your body, mind, and soul.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is Elijah and his nap time under the Juniper tree. When he was overwhelmed and running for his life, he lay down and slept. God let him rest and do nothing. He even sent an angel to feed him and then he slept again. So why do we feel guilty when we are given a day or days when we can just rest and do nothing?

When you read the rest of Elijah’s story after this period, you will realize why rest is part of our natural rhythm. We need this time to prepare ourselves for the great and simple tasks ahead. More importantly, we will be able to hear His voice that can sometimes be drowned out by all our schedules, lists, and activities.

IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING (OR NOTHING):

Schedule a Saturday where you will do absolutely nothing. Put it in your calendar and let the people around you know about this “do nothing” day.

JOURNALING PROMPT

After your “just do nothing” day, write down a stream-of-consciousness journaling entry, writing down all the emotions and thoughts and random things that you felt while doing nothing.