No "Break" in Summer

There are countless ways in which we can, and do, imitate our parents.   I couldn't begin to count the number of times I’ve been told I look like my mom, nor the number of times I’ve been told I’m doing something just the way my dad does it.  I can recall that during summer, when our time was a bit less-structured, my dad always made sure we were busy.  If he asked what we were doing, the worst answer we could give was, “nothing.”   That answer was the initiation of a list of chores to come.   When I was in middle and high school, during summer he would wake us up to ask what we had planned for the day.  It was a trick.  At 7AM, we weren’t always able to think fast, but we never said, “nothing,” however, the “um,” that would give us another moment to think, could be interpreted as nothing.  “Get up, get dressed.  You’re coming to work with me.  I need some papers filed, I have several boxes of stuff to be shredded... We’re leaving at 7:30.”
 
I don’t know, maybe my dad had read in Proverbs 16:27 that, “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”  Maybe that’s why doing nothing was such a sin to him.  Growing up with idleness being outlawed has made me frown upon it in our home, as well.  There is always something to do.  In March, I begin planning out summer for the boys—making a calendar of camps and activities to ward-off any hint of idleness.  I sure wouldn't want them to be bored.  
 
Two weeks into summer break, and I am exhausted.  I’m running here and there, picking up, dropping off, asking other parents to bring mine when they bring their children (I also return the favor), but I’m finding that the busier I keep them, the busier it makes me.  So far, there has not been a “break” in summer. 
 
While, I could use a break this summer, I don't regret my dad’s teaching us not to be idle, teaching us that there is always something that needs to be done.  These teachings amount to a strong work ethic, one that I hope our boys will also acquire. The Bible also tells us that “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.” (Proverbs 19:15 NIV) and “Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of the idle hands, the house leaks. (Ecclesiastes 10:18 NIV).  This Father’s Day, I thank my daddy for many things.  He tells me now, that nothing makes him happier than coming to our house to eat at our table because that means he has done his job.   Thank you, Daddy!  Dinner is served!
 
 
Thank you for reading!
Have a blessed week!
Kim
 
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