Combatting the Bread of Idleness

"She does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27b

I just wanted to pop in and say that I am committing to stop eating the bread of idleness!    Here is a little back story to this declaration. This year is a huge change for me. Before now, I was the super-busy graduate student who loved to complain (aka boast) about how stressed I was. Because being stressed = being important.
    When I came to Korea and found myself with all this free time, I had an identity crisis! I could literally watch television and eat candy all day and no one would know or care! It felt like my worth had taken a nose dive towards the useless. As a useless person, why shouldn't I lounge around the hotel all day? Well, I ended up doing that a lot, which I thought would be like a relaxing and fun vacation. But the truth is that it was boring! I realize now that I was eating the bread of idleness, which is stale and bitter.
    When we got our amazing apartment, it came with the need to cook, clean, decorate, and manage. That should have given me something to do, right? Actually, it was still not enough! I still lounged, even in a clean house. I'm not saying relaxation is bad. Everyone needs some rest in their lives. But I was pushing it.
    Can I tell you what I was missing? I didn't have the desire to fulfill other's goals, I was focused on myself. Learning the Korean language, consistently exercising, and maintaining our home are my goals. But that's so not enough!     To combat the curses of boredom and idleness, I am now taking a more active role in my community. Maybe I will get a job soon! I joined the praise team at my Bible study, I'm volunteering with the army spouses club, getting together with friends, helping my brother with his speeches over Skype, and seeking God's will for my time here. Today He showed me that idleness is a sickness and willingness to serve is the best medicine.