APRIL 10, 2 Samuel 11:1

Many of us seem to have too little time to do too many things. Your parents have to work, to take care of you, to manage household issues, to spend time with their parents. You have increasing amounts of homework. You also have to go for enrichment classes, co-curricular activities, and others. Perhaps on top of that you have music classes and sports lessons. Some children have also been encouraged by their parents to play what traditionally have been games for grown-ups, such as golf. Given the above, sometimes we wish we just have nothing to do, do we not?

The longest holiday for children would be the year-end holidays when you will have about seven weeks off school. Seven weeks – wow! The problem is although many students yearn for the holidays, some do not know what to do when the school holiday begins. Boredom sets in. With so much time but so little or nothing to accomplish, the mind becomes idle.

Such was the situation for King David. One day, instead of leading his men in battle, David was enjoying himself at home. Perhaps to enjoy the evening breeze, he went to the rooftop of the palace to relax. Then he spied a beautiful woman bathing.

Was he praying when he saw her? No. Was he doing something for the Lord or for the people when he saw her? No. His mind was empty and idle. And when he saw her, he lusted after her.

Be careful of an idle mind. We do not need to be busy all the time everyday. In fact, it is good to reserve a time of quiet and to give yourself a break. Such times can be put to good use for doing your Quiet Time. Remember, it is when your mind is idle that you are open to evil suggestions and temptations by the Devil.

Instead, dear child, put your mind to good use. Study hard. Play hard during leisure. When you have time, read a good book or do something with friends or loved ones instead of spending too much time on the television or Internet.

Thought: Idleness is sweet but its consequences are bitter.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be occupied with the right things. Protect me against idleness for during such periods, it is easy to fall into sin. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.