The sweetness of doing nothing…isn’t that phrase in and of itself a sweet sound to the ears? For me, and I’m sure for many, it’s a puzzling concept. Doing nothing? And it’s sweet? But when you unpack the words, they become even more lovely. I find it nearly impossible to do nothing. Even when I’m semi-relaxing by watching TV or reading a book, I have to feel as though I’m accomplishing something at the same time. I may turn on a movie, but I need to have the dishwasher or washing machine going or I’m folding a load of laundry, sometimes doing all three.
When in Rome, I noticed a marked ease about their lifestyle. There wasn’t the hurried pace we often feel here in our lives. Many people could be seen relaxing with friends over a meal…in the middle of the day. Some stores closed down entirely for the lunch hour, not something I’ve often seen happen here. The casual feeling, I’ll admit, was quite appealing. The lovely Romans seem to savor more: Food. Drink. The present company. Time.
Needless, to say I was enamored.
When we returned home, I had to have more of Rome so I watched Eat, Pray, Love (literally while folding and putting away laundry!) One of the characters explained “dolce far niente”–the sweetness of doing nothing. He explained that “we Americans” live a more intense lifestyle. We feel that we have to earn relaxation or time off whereas for the Italians, it’s simply a part of life to relax and do nothing but enjoy what is right around you….the sunshine on your skin, a child’s laughter, the sand in your toes, the fresh pasta on your plate…all appreciated with adoration.
I crave this type of attitude, this way of being. I wonder how much less stressed and tense I’d be if I could adopt this mindset and have occasions of simply doing nothing. I wonder how much closer to God and to my family I could be if I didn’t always feel I had to be working towards a goal every waking second. We (mothers especially sometimes) often feel guilty if we take a break, even if it’s just for a few moments. Housework is almost never entirely done. The dishes and laundry are only “all clean” until someone needs to eat or change clothes and then the cycle begins again.
I wonder how much more energy we would have if we experienced the sweetness of doing nothing and allowed our bodies and minds to recharge and come back stronger, more prepared to face our tasks. I wonder if we could let go for those minutes, hours, or even days without worrying and feeling guilty about just enjoying the moments we’re in and bask in the present.
I wonder too if this is what God had in mind for the seventh day of rest. Was His vision and purpose for us to simply sweetly do nothing and focus our energy and time only on our immediate surroundings: our family, the scenery, ourselves, and rest in the wonder of His provision? I’ve made my mind up to live more sweetly by being in the moment, put down my phone and listen and look at my family when they speak to me.
If a movie is good enough to watch or a book worth reading, then I should pay attention to it and enjoy that time to relax and become engrossed in something worthwhile. If I fully immerse myself in worship instead of mentally compiling my grocery list or the week’s to-do list, I could greatly benefit from what God is breathing into our pastor to teach us.
I should feel comfortable that on Sunday I can nap and enjoy the day and shed the guilt of not doing laundry or cooking. Sure enough, when Monday comes I will appreciate that I took the time to enjoy what and who are around me and that I embraced the time that God set aside for the sweetness of engaging in nothing but rest and reflection.
