I’m bored, what now?

If you are like most teens the long anticipated “getting out of school” is now here and you have had a couple days without classes and homework.  Some are off to summer jobs or summer school.  Others are content to pump endless hours into video games and social networking.  Some of that can be potentially good.

Let me give you something to consider, that if followed, I can garauntee will provide you with a satisfying and fulfilling summer.  It will require you doing some things you may not be used to right now-  I dare you.  Try the  “Keep 10” Challenge:

1. Get up by 8 a.m. and go to bed by midnight.

2. Spend 15 minutes or more reading your Bible (If you don’t know where to start, start in your the Gospel of John – in the New Testament) and seek to pattern your life after Jesus (obviously you won’t be able to do the miracle thing, but we are talking about attitude, obeying God the Father, and loving others. )

3. spend one hour each day fulfilling responsibilities around the house or helping your parents (don’t laugh, this will benefit your life more than you will ever know).

4. spend one hour or more simply helping someone else without expecting anything in return -could be a neighbor, friend, church, volunteering somewhere, nursing home, etc.

5. Spend time reading every day.  Expand your knowledge.

6.  Get a job, if old enough and with parents permission.  Learn how to work hard and handle money wisely.

7. Exercise every day for 30 minutes or more.  Walk, ride a bike, run, play a sport… Do something other than finger exercises.

8. For those that are older – look up college information and learn what you will need to do in the years ahead.

9. With parental permission talk to some local businesses (you may have an interest in) about doing a one or two day per week internship for gaining experience and learning skills.

10. Eat healthy and eat regularly.  Do your best not to skip meals or eat excessive amounts of junk.  Drink lots of water.

Let me know how your summer is going!

Andy Woodall
Andy Woodall served as the Pastor of Student Ministries at Faith from 1999-2012.