I have an semi-confession to make: On occasion, I spend time on facebook well, umm, stalking people. They’re always my “friends” and I usually can find out really interesting information (note a slight hint of sarcasm here). One sentiment I noticed on my last visit a few minutes ago that was expressed pretty universally among a lot of my friends can be summed up in one of the following ways:
“I’m so glad it’s the weekend!”
“I wish spring break had lasted longer!”
“How is it Monday already??”
I find that I can relate to all of those statements. I love the weekend, any type of break or opportunity to get away is great, and I will admit that Monday typically isn’t my favorite day of the week. However, after seeing several of these types of comments on my quick scan of facebook a few minutes ago, I began to wonder: Why do we look forward to the weekend so much? What’s so hard about the regular week that causes us to loathe it sometimes? What if I didn’t have the weekend, breaks, or holidays to look forward to? Would the rest of the week be worth it?
I don’t think a valid argument could be made to state that breaks are bad. They are useful, and often necessary, to help refocus and provide rest. However, we need to think about how we live the rest of our time in light of the statements at the beginning of this post. Why do I look forward to the weekend? Is it because I can’t stand what happens in between weekends, or simply because I’m looking forward to a couple of days of rejuvenation? If the former, how can I change my outlook to engage fully in the present and make living here worthwhile?
As easy as it is to dismiss what’s happening in the present in anticipation of what will happen in the future, I think we have a responsibility (and privilege) to act and live in the now. For those of us who are Christians, we have an added responsibility and honor to redeem the time we’ve been given – including Mondays and other days filled with unpleasant tasks throughout the week. When we don’t take engage fully in every activity, I think we miss opportunities to grow, learn, and engage. We minimize the ordinary things in the present to attain anticipated good in the future – something that isn’t guaranteed.
I’ll admit that it’s not always easy to find good in the present. Sometimes believing in the goodness of where I am is hard. It can be difficult to look past painful circumstances, complexities at work and easy to long for your turn to play in the “greener grass.” But my challenge as you go into this weekend is don’t be discouraged when Monday comes again. Don’t wait for the next break or holiday to enjoy life. Take hold of the joy available in every circumstance. Look for ways to engage ideas, people, and art around you. Start living now.
That is so true. Thank you for the challenge!