The Boredom Flip: Turn an Empty Summer Hour Into Something That Matters

Hey, Carpool Crew. I'm so glad you're here today. It is the start of summer on the podcast. Now, I know for everybody, summer maybe starts a different time, and you go back to school maybe a different time. But for the podcast, June and July is summer. So we're gonna be talking about a ton of stuff that you're gonna face, experience, deal with, do, and have fun with this summer. I'm Pastor Justin. I want everyone in the Carpool Crew to have a really great summer, make great memories, have some fun. But here's the thing. I know that there's gonna be some moments that are a little boring. Now, here's the one thing that I want you and everyone else in the Carpool Crew to remember. Even your boring moments can be turned into something good for God. Today's verse is from Colossians chapter 3, verse 23, and it says this: 'Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.' So picture this. There's a guy named Paul. He was sitting in a prison cell. Not a comfortable spot. No video games, no couches, no cold drinks. He had a lot of empty time, and he wrote to regular working people. You know, moms and dads with chores, kids running around, sometimes repetitive, ordinary days. He told them, 'Whatever you do, even the small stuff, the unnoticed stuff, do it for God. None of it's a waste.' See, that changes everything for us. The boring moments stop being a problem to escape, and they become a chance, an opportunity. See, if Jesus were sitting next to you right now, I think he'd say, 'I see you when no one else does. I see when you take out the trash without being asked. I see you when you grab the broom and sweep the porch. I see you when you're just relaxing with a book, not doing anything crazy, but just quietly enjoying yourself.' I see it, and none of it is small to me. See, it's summertime, everyone. You know, the pool might be closed today. Your best friend is at camp for the week. You have stretched out hours that you just don't know what to do with. And the easy move is to scroll, grab a phone, maybe even sneak one, which is not a good idea. Grab a snack, maybe without asking, also not a good idea, and just zone out or complain or nag or cause trouble. No, we don't wanna do that, Carpool Crew. We're better than that. See, the better move is to look up, look around. Find a small thing that you can do that matters, even if it matters in a small way. Hey, this week, I just want you to try a couple things. First, it's called the Boredom Flip. The next time you feel that flat, nothing-to-do feeling, find one small thing in your house that needs doing. Maybe it's the recycling. It's a pile of shoes by the door that needs some cleaning. Maybe the dishwasher needs to be unloaded. Not big stuff, just small stuff. See what's there, and see how it changes your mood by jumping in and helping out. Second, it's called the Encouragement Send. Write a note or send a little message to someone who could use it. Maybe Grandma or Papa or a friend at camp, and they'll get the note when they get back. 90 seconds of your time to write a little note, maybe draw a little picture, could change their whole day, and it'll fill your day. Third, it's the No-Ask Offer. Walk up to your mom or dad and just say, 'Hey, what's something I can do to help?' Don't wait to be told. Don't make that face or roll your eyes. Just walk up and say, 'I gotta do something to help. Is there something I can do?' That one question can flip everything in your entire house. Okay, now let's go back to that one thing I wanted you to remember for the ride. Even your boring moments can be turned into something good for God. Remember, Carpool Crew, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if this podcast has been helpful for your family, maybe take 30 seconds and leave a rating and a review on Apple or Spotify. It really does help more families find Carpooling with Jesus. Now, before you go, let's answer this question together. What's one boring moment you've had recently, and where could you choose to do something kind or helpful instead? I'll see you next time on Carpooling with Jesus.