Children Of A Creator

Most families have words they won’t allow in their homes.

One family we know doesn’t allow the word “stupid” in their home.

For them, calling things and people “stupid” is a cancer. It is like letting weeds grow unchecked in their carefully cultivated garden. 

In our home, Sarah and I are always ready to pounce on the word “bored”.

Why?  Because boredom is a gift from God.

Boredom is the blank canvas for true human creativity.

But true human creativity in and around our home will never happen for us or for our children if we habitually medicate boredom with plug-and-play entertainment.

In our household, the cry of “boredom” interprets more truly as: “I want to be entertained without having to be creative!”

This (unbiblical) view of boredom grows and feeds a life of relationships, spirituality, and endeavors that are an inch deep and easy to give up on.

As these symptoms worsen in the consumer culture around us it should heighten our resolve to keep our family living as God’s People – training to be creators and redeemers.

This principle for God's People is found here – in the beginning:

“Before God created the world, there was nothing there.” (Gen. 1:1)

There was nothing. God got creative with nothing.

“The earth was formless. And darkness was over the water.” (Gen. 1:2)

With not much there He got more creative – making a mind-blowing environment designed specifically for us. He placed us in it to learn about, to play in, and to "work" alongside Him. 

“The LORD God took humans and placed them in the garden of Eden to work it …” (Gen. 2:15, paraphrase of HCSB)

Wherever He places us, we humans are designed to image our Creator: calling forth His order and beauty from our place in His creation.

•       •       •

"I'm bored! There is nothing to do!"

We get in close. Wide eyed. We tell them being bored means they are getting ready to do something creative. Something amazing.

If they still struggle, we give them suggestions – some of which involve play and some of which involve work. We want them to see both are equally fulfilling and good.

Don’t wait for your kids to get bored. Make sure they have ample time to get bored. Time not being entertained or directed. Reducing "entertainment" – though temporarily painful for you – is one of the greatest things you can do to raise a divinely human family.

Get bored. Truly bored. And watch what gets created and redeemed.

(If you are married, get bored with each other. ; )