On the Importance of Idleness

I once had a boss, who, even when on vacation, would call into the office at least twice a day. Recently, a client of mine wondered if I wanted his phone number while he was on a four week sabbatical in the Holy Land.

What does this say about our attitude toward work and leisure?

"Idleness is the devil's workshop" is an expression often quoted with such reverence that one would think it can be found in the Bible.

Why is it that we feel so compelled to keep busy? Is it because we do not want to feel guilty for wasting time? Is it that our work has become an obsession, an addiction for us?

Have you ever, for even a fleeting moment, wondered if you are workaholic? Consider these questions:

• Are you able to visit with someone without having to talk about your work?
• Are you able to spend an entire day without a shot of work?
• Are you a "closet workaholic," do you sneak work? Do you take your work home with you, to bed with you?
• Do you make play, prayer and leisure laborious?
• Do you, when forced to sit and do nothing, find that the palms of your hands sweat and you feel little crawly creatures in your pants?

As we come to an end of summer and approach that National Holiday that glorifies Labor, I offer the following prayer. May it serve to help put a perspective on work and see idleness not as the devil's workshop but as a golden opportunity to waste time with God.