Trying to make a life

Most of us are prone to judge others, occasionally, because of how they fill their time; but it takes ingenuity to decide how to best make use of your moments. That is unless you're so busy you have few.

What brought my attention to the situation of what people do to fill their life was the visiting of a local hospital recently. I noticed all the volunteers present. They seemed happy with their duties and tried to do a good job. I wondered what their lives were like and why they chose to do volunteer work at the hospital. Were they lonely, I asked? Were they looking for a way to give back to the world? Did they find the jobs fulfilling? There was certainly no salary connected to what they did.

Then I turned my thoughts inward. What did I do to make a life? What had I always done? After I delved into my past, I found that I did whatever I needed to do, then. I was, like everyone else, merely trying to make a life. Unless you're constantly in demand, 24 hours can drag by if there's little to do.

Some seen to be able to lie on the beach all day, party or socialize, while other people have a more practical goal. Sometimes there aren't enough hours in the day to fulfill all of your obligations and duties or things you just want to do.

Nevertheless, people keep on plodding along; trying to find something to do that satisfies them. It actually is a gift, I think, knowing how to fill your time. Nowadays, though, there is an abundance of various paraphernalia with which you can entertain yourself, such as a cellphone or iPad.

When I was growing up on the farm, sometimes the days seemed to stretch into forever. I walked in the fields; played with the dog, read books and did whatever else I could to occupy my hours. But mom was master of finding things to do. One recreational pursuit she enjoyed was fishing in the ditch located at the back of our farm. My dad was ill, a lot of the time, and she was forced to find ways to divert herself so she could survive and appear joyful to the rest of my family, mainly my brother and me. Yes, she was simply trying to make a life the best she could with what tools she had available.

Life doesn't just happen, does it? Think about it. Even babies get bored and search for things exciting. Regardless of your age, life is a constant struggle. I've never believed it just fell into place by itself, unless you're a piece of driftwood and you don't care where you end up. So I think it's up to us how we make a life or what kind of life we aspire to. Despite what you are handed, it's up to you to do the best you can. You have to make choices, as to what you dream of and how hard you work to attain your goals -- accept the constant challenge of crafting each interval you're given.

College students go to the recreation center. Part of that reason is for fitness but it's also to fill in their spare time. It's a gift to be able to think of ways to fill those spaces. Humans can show genius when accomplishing the feat. I especially admire those who I see performing volunteer work or even participating in a game they enjoy -- wholesome parts needed to try and fill in a life. Even God offers encouragement as we keep on "trying to make a life."

Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Can we find what those plans are while we're searching for things to do?

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