Remedy for Pandemic Boredom

Local trips can provide great relief.

We may not be able to travel to foreign countries right now. Still, we may benefit from a change of scenery. Occasionally, local trips to nearby towns can offer a refreshing change

The garden at the Raleigh Little Theater is open to visitors.

This week, my husband and I took off for parts unknown. (At least, they were unknown to us.)

We discovered a lovely, hidden garden behind the Raleigh Little Theater in Raleigh, NC. Since few people were in the garden, we didn’t have any trouble social distancing. Also, in spite of its small size, this garden enthralled us.

We took our time to admire the brilliant rose blossoms. After we inhaled their fragrances, we retreated to a shady bench under a gigantic old tree. What a treat!

Yes, sometimes the beauty of nature can take away our breath. After we spent an hour in this delightful place, we felt totally refreshed.

Cameron, North Carolina is an interesting town to visit.

Last week, our trip to Cameron, NC got our creative juices flowing. This little tobacco-farming town had a few surprises for us.

David Ellis is an artist who grew up in Cameron. In 1999, he invited artists from New York and Tokyo to help him paint aging tobacco barns and farm equipment around the town.

“The Barnstormers,” as people nicknamed the group, decorated the town in memorable art work. We came across these creative expressions in many places. When we least expected them, they popped up to surprise and delight us. On top of that, locals added their own creative touches to their properties.

In addition to the art work, we enjoyed a delicious meal at Dewberry’s Deli, a local shop in town. We also explored several interesting antique shops in the area.

Day trips are valuable, but so is the route to the destination.

Our local trips helped to prevent possible boredom. Since we interrupted our daily routine, we were able to explore new experiences. Indeed, such a rewarding endeavor!

If our destination had no special attractions, we still had fun along the way. Sometimes, I photographed funny road signs. At other times, I collected images of unusual objects along the way or of interesting characters I met. Truly, I never know what I may find!

God has the best answer to boredom.

Although there are many ways to chase boredom, God always knows the best way to revive us. After all, He knows us intimately. When we look to him, he understands exactly what we need. As a result, He challenges us, sharpens our focus, and makes our lives vibrant.

Fortunately, King David understood this truth in his own life. In Psalms 23: 1- 3, he writes, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake.”(KJV)

God uses nature to reveal His glory.

Thankfully, our Lord has already provided the natural world to help us. On a clear night, we can stand in awe of the billions of stars in the sky. Likewise, we can be amazed to watch a delicate butterfly flutter or a powerful lion pounce.

God’s presence comforts us.

Yes, God’s creativity is all around us. But even better, we can experience His wonderful presence. Truly, we can explore the depths of His love and grace. And of course, the more we come to know Him, the more we’ll crave a closeness with Him.

In reality, the pandemic has stripped away many frivolous things. However, this allows us to focus on what truly matters. Thankfully, when we leave behind all those things that temporarily stimulate us, we get to experience something of greater lasting value.

Are you ready for some excitement?

Actually, the possibility should be no surprise. After all, God is the author of everything that makes life exciting. So of course, when we reach out to Him, He takes our hand and leads us to an adventure. Therefore, be prepared to be amazed!