It was one of those days that don’t often come my way. I was out sitting on the porch with my first cup of coffee for the day.
Today was special. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, wife Martha, our daughter and granddaughter went to St. Augustine for their “spring break.” They would be gone for about three days.
In the meantime, I was home but not alone. I did have my cup of coffee. What more could anyone ask for?
What would the world be like without a nice, fresh, hot cup of coffee in the morning? I don’t know, I’ve never had such a day.
I had no agenda for the day. I finished my latest book and sent it to the publisher. I also was caught up on my radio ministry and syndicated weekly newspaper column. Everything was up to date, and I had nothing on my schedule.
I don’t know anybody who can do “nothing” as well as me. And I say that unanimously.
This is unlike Martha, who has no idea what doing nothing resembles. As long as I’ve known her, there’s never been a day she has done nothing.
She usually does something in her craft room when she has nothing to do. Even when she’s sleeping, I think she dreams about doing something. Believe me, I’ve never asked. Some things are better not to know.
Being able to do nothing is the only area where I outshine Martha. When I don’t have a project, I grab a cup of coffee, go to the porch, and think about nothing. Staring into space can be a welcome hobby.
I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have to do anything, and I wasn’t going to spend any time trying to remember. I was going to spend all my time doing nothing. I’ll have nothing to show for doing nothing and I like that.
Sitting on the porch in my rocking chair I felt so wonderful. If I were Martha, I’d sit here thinking of things to do.
I must confess she’s excellent at doing about everything. She far exceeds me in that department, but, on the other hand, I thrive in doing nothing.
I sat back, took a deep breath, and appreciated my state, which has no governor, so I don’t have to respond to anybody. Oh, how I love doing nothing.
I was beginning to feel a little guilty. Is this OK with God? Is God OK with me doing nothing for a day?
While pondering this I read a verse of Scripture.
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.”
— Hebrews 4: 9-10
Sometimes I think I need to work to impress God. In this regard, I’m thinking my activity is more important than just stopping everything and simply rest in the grace and mercy of God.
As I finished my coffee, I thought about what it would be like for me to simply enter into God’s rest.
Dr. Snyder is a former pastor who lives with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, wife Martha, in Ocala, Fla. His email is jamessnyder51@gmail.com.
