We have a somewhat unconventional mini-rule
in our house.

I have taught my children not to utter the phrase, “I
am bored.” Or “That is boring.” Speaking it, thinking
it gives it power.

My mother shared wisdom with me long ago that has
stuck through to this day. “The only people who are
bored are those with small, uncreative ways of thinking.”

Nonetheless, the phrase rang through my childhood
house, sometimes as often as the rotary-dial phone
that graced our kitchen wall. I remembered, though,
and the seeds of belief lived way beyond our
residency at 56 Hawthorne Avenue.

My children and I have learned to find fascination
in the most mundane, we have learned to make each
interaction a sacred one. We have chosen to live each
moment noting the miracles that surround us.

I was in early adolescence when I discovered my life
was the product of birth control failure. My parents
were actively trying to prevent my conception. My
first thought upon hearing this news was, “Well, God
must have wanted me to be born, then. I must have
some pretty important work to do.”

That important work includes blessing the cars as
they drive by, it includes eye contact with the homeless
folks I encounter, it includes hugging others that don’t
usually receive hugs, it includes recording inspirational
messages on my voice mail, it includes asking people
how they are doing and waiting for their response and
following up with concern, gladness or a combination
of whatever feels right and good in that moment.

Yesterday I walked ten blocks with “a stranger” who
asked me what I do. That is a rather opening question ‘
for someone like me. I wear many hats, take on many
tasks, and have one real job.

My real job is to love. My real job is to use that love to
facilitate the opening of the souls I encounter. “I pretty
much squeeze the juice out of every moment.” I explained.

So if I am waiting in line at the grocery store and
there are other people grumbling, I am praying. If I
am stuck in traffic, I am singing. If I am in a meeting
that feels like it is going nowhere, I facilitate closure
and move along.

Thomas Szasz said, ““Boredom is the feeling that
everything is a waste of time; serenity,
that nothing is.”

Nothing is a waste of time. I am serene.