January 16th is National Nothing Day. The day was started by Harold Pullman Coffin in 1973. The knowledge that we have a national day for doing nothing is somewhat disconcerting. It was meant to be a day where people “can just sit without celebrating, observing, or honoring anything.” It sounds like a waste of a day to me. I wonder why he was against celebrating and honoring. Those are good things. But I’m not saying we have to-or should-be constantly celebrating or observing some holiday. I’m saying we should use our time wisely.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17

I’m not advocating running around stressed out and frantic, which, in reality, probably wastes more time than we’d like to think. Just “being busy” is not a virtue. It’s far better to do a few worthwhile things than a hundred trivial, meaningless things.

In fact, if we’re too crazily busy and don’t remember to slow down sometimes, we could forget some of the most important things. To pray. To read God’s Word. To worship Him. To praise Him. To be still and know that He is God.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10

In addition, there is a time and a place to “take time off” and to curl up and read a book, listen to music, or whatever helps you to relax. But to devote an entire day…or week…or month…or life…to doing nothing of significance…that is not just silly but wrong! God gave you your life. It is a precious invaluable gift. And it only happens once. Do not waste it! We, as believers, should have an eternal perspective and aim to do things which will make a difference for eternity.

If we are completely wrapped up in ourselves, that won’t happen. What I’m saying is put God first in your life, others second, and yourself last. Did you know that can spell J-O-Y?

Jesus
Others
You

I hope you have a wonderful year filled with loving and serving God and others!

Recently I read a devotion which has really convicted me in the way I respond to problems that I come across in my day-to-day life. The way I personally relate to problems is like a roller coaster: up and down. Sometimes I will respond to issues joyfully, and other times – it’s disastrous. Whenever I ‘lose it’ in a big or a small way, or when I am in a battle to respond with a wrong attitude, I have been reminded to sing instead of thump.

When baking a loaf of bread, a way to check if it’s cooked is to tap the bottom, says my Mum. If it ‘sings’, the bread is ready to eat, yet if the loaf thumps when you tap it, it is promptly put back into the oven.

Our attitude is like that. Throughout the day, I am faced with lots of problems – grumpy siblings, piles of laundry, a messy kitchen, and an alarm clock that didn’t wake me up. I have a choice: to sing back at the problem joyfully and with a smile, or to go thump and lose the plot completely. In a world where we have so much, where we have what ever we want, James reminds us to ‘…count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations’ (James 1:2).

So the next time you feel grumpy or you are having a tough day filled with trialling tests, remember to keep your joy, which means not to grow bitter, but to sing back at the hard situations while thanking and praising God from the bottom of your heart for His faithfulness, strength and awesomeness, keeping the attitude that Jesus displayed every day of his life. While you’re at it, bake a fresh loaf of bread to enjoy – and sing even if it gets burnt.

Miss Jessica is a 14year old homeschool girl who lives in Australia. She loves the Lord and enjoys music, reading, history, computers and sewing. Jessica has a warped sense of humour and is always ready for a giggle. She helps her mum around the home and participates in the local church music team. You can find out more about Jess at her blog Little Miss Giggle.

1. Send an E-card. These are so simple to do.

2. Send a postcard.

3. Send a text message.

4. Find her on Twitter or Facebook and reconnect.

5. Take her some homemade cookies. Be prepared to leave a note if she’s not home.

6. Pray for her.

7. Call your local inspirational radio station and dedicate a song to her.

8. Throw a blog party for her.

9. If you can afford it, send flowers.

10. Get her a coffee shop gift card.

What other ways have you reconnected with an old friend?

Sisterlisa is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Growing in Grace Magazine and owner of AGMinistries, a devotion blog for women. She is married and homeschools her four children while remaining active in serving the Lord in her community.