Life can be an exciting journey

Who in the world said, "I'm bored" -- a comment you frequently hear coming from the young. Why are people ever bored? With all of the increasingly modern technological advances, including computers, cell phones, iPads, iPhones and numerous other devices that are so prevalent today, you wonder what people mean. There's no end to what's available. Many have cable television, satellite service, Netflix and still other perks. Numerous people fly to destinations now -- supposedly allowing them time to do more of the things they desire.

Different stages of life lend themselves to remarkable twists and turns. Fascinating events begin in infancy when babies commence doing all the things babies do. They must learn to communicate, feed themselves and walk. Then there's all the other developmental stages that are part of growing up -- a stimulant for both child and parents. I wonder if you recognize the awesomeness of all that goes into seeing children, pets and other forms of nature mature. It's a win-win situation. Only the word wonderful can describe the miracles of growth.

From infancy on, people begin to be bored. Babies often cry when they aren't receiving constant attention or being entertained. Children, even though they own more toys and games and are involved in more activities than ever, still become bored. Why, one asks?

Trenton was especially distraught one afternoon. He had tired of playing his latest video game, no one was available for a basketball game and he certainly didn't want to play by himself. His aunt said, "Just find to something to do on your own. You can't always have someone around to entertain you and make your happiness for you. You must do that yourself." Trenton pondered the advice and, moments later, his aunt heard him singing in his room. He had found something with which to occupy himself--all by himself. He was very proud.

It builds self-confidence when you accomplish feats on your own. I read a comment that stated. "Never do something for someone that he can do for himself" [author unknown]. That doesn't mean you never help someone out of love or because they need assistance, but when people depend on others, unnecessarily, they become unable to perform tasks for themselves. Then they become overly needy on others, and that's certainly detrimental to them.

If you're bored, it's because you haven't trained yourself to notice the opportunities around you. Janie was driving home from work one night when she spotted an armadillo. She ran into the house to tell her dad. He became excited and grabbed a flashlight so he could see it in the dark. Then Janie's little brother and mom became interested and everybody flew out the front door to see this, unfamiliar creature. By the time everybody arrived to where the animal had been stationed in the street, it was gone. Janie explained where she thought the armadillo may have departed to. Sure enough, Janie spotted the animal. The point of the story is not the ending, but the moral of it is that anything can become exciting if you allow yourself to become involved with what's going on about you. Life truly is a wonder. Sure, bad things happen -- people become ill and suffer and all kinds of catastrophes occur. Although you can be with those in need, and feel their pain, you can't let yourself be drawn into the situation with them, for then you'll be unable to help. Don't feel guilty about enjoying God's marvels in life because you can share those eye-opening experiences with those less fortunate and perhaps lift their spirits as well as yours. God made the world for our enjoyment -- but you have to make the effort to get out of you, observe your surroundings and appreciate what's there. "God saw all he had made and it was very good" Geneses 1:31.

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction and provides spiritual direction to people at her office.