Bored? “Offer it up,” I usually say. This is a phrase that has been heard many times in my home.
I keep a handwritten note on my refrigerator with the word BORED? It says,
B = Been Creative?
O = Outside work or play?
R = Read for twenty to thirty minutes?
E = Exercised?
D = Done Chores?
I often hear, “Mom, I’m so bored. What can I do?” So I have them refer to the B-O-R-E-D note on the fridge. Once they have done all those suggestions, I suggest an extra Rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, Bible reading, act of kindness etc. The word “bored” is a naughty word in my home. After giving multiple suggestions of non-boredom ideas, I always use my go-to phrase, “Offer it up.” “Offer up boredom?” they ask, “What do you mean?” This is when the lesson of saving souls comes into play. So many souls to pray and sacrifice for.
Another script I keep on my refrigerator is this:
SUBJECT FOR DAILY MEDITATION: “Remember O Christian soul, that thou has this day and every day of thy life: God to glorify—Jesus to imitate—The Angels and Saints to invoke—A soul to save—A body to mortify—Sins to expiate—Virtues to acquire—Hell to avoid—Heaven to gain—Eternity to prepare for—Time to profit by—Neighbors to edify—The world to despise—Devils to combat—Passions to subdue—Death perhaps to suffer—Judgement to undergo.”
I keep this note on my refrigerator because it is the place that is very popular in my home (and most homes with ravenous children!). My children stop and read this. Often it leads to questions, discussions, and an increased desire to be good.
This very unusual time in our lives creates great opportunities to keep our children busy with projects that can build virtue. As in most Catholic homes, virtue has always been a key word to discuss and practice in my home. I homeschooled my children for many years, and during that time, my goal was to make sure my children could converse with people of all ages, not just with their peers. I trained them to be generally pleasant to be around. I figured that if they could get along peacefully with one another, they would probably be delightful to all. No time for boredom for the Christian soul! Offer it up, I will continue to say. We have much to do, and many souls to help.
Thank you for sharing these great quotes! They might find their way to my refrigerator–not only because I think they will serve my children well, but they will be good reminders for ME throughout the day! 🙂
Very edifying. In isolation, it’s too easy to focus on me. The story is not about me — it’s about us — how Christ suffered, died, and rose from the dead to offer eternal life to every soul, each one of us. You and I are the conduit for salvation to the great big “us.”
St Teresa of Avila said, “Christ has no arms and legs now, but yours.”
Lisa,
this is fantastic! I want to copy these for my fridge too. What a great summary of all that we want to pass on to our kids. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.