Why hobbies matter

I needed to quiet my mind, so I’ve gotten into and returned to some new hobbies this year. 

The past two years have been the hardest of my life. A dear friend doesn’t want much to do with me in light of a hard conversation we had two years ago. Hers was a gradual pulling away, but my grief is fairly constant. Parenting has been challenging, although we are in a better place. Also, my role as a school board member became exhausting. 

Seasons change, thankfully, and I let go of some responsibilities at school. But journeys can be hard! I love my kids’ school, and that hasn’t changed. But the last few years have been full of major changes, emotional decisions, and constant noise in my own brain – mostly because of growing pains that eventually led to something refreshed and wonderful. If I wasn’t at a meeting, I was thinking about decisions. If I wasn’t filling in a gap, I was thinking about how to solve problems. It felt constant. I had to step away, a decision that came after a year of prayer for clarity and direction.

I’m thankful I waited on God’s timing, have witnessed His provision, and am able to invest in new ways in the school I love. I’ve seen provisions in parenting & friendship too. But weathering some storms has worn me out, and I know God is calling me to rhythms of rest in my daily life. 

Puzzles

I’ve worked three puzzles in the past few weeks. My youngest daughter tries to tell me working a 1,000-piece puzzle and then destroying it is pointless. I beg to differ, although I do get where she’s coming from! For me, working a puzzle busies my mind without creating extra noise. It’s soothing to sort edges from middle pieces, match colors, and create an enjoyable picture. It’s a finite project too, which feels freeing. 

I choose puzzles that appeal to me — landscapes, colorful designs, butterflies, maps, city scenes. Here are some I’ve worked lately: Kentucky map by Buy Socks You All that doesn’t seem to be available, Farmer’s Market scene, doughnuts, vintage butterflies, and a river scene by this company. 

Plants

I grew some seedlings into outdoor tomato plants this summer, and they did alright. While I got excited about each cherry tomato, I don’t think gardening is my thing. I’ve also killed two hanging flowered plants. 

BUT my indoor plants are thriving, and I love caring for them. I buy new plants impulsively sometimes and pay for an app that helps me identify them properly, know where to put them, and when to water and mist them. I have even rearranged my kitchen to accommodate my plants. My family teases me, but the plants make me so happy.

Reading

Okay, so this isn’t a new hobby, as y’all know, but I’ve been embracing stories on audiobook and even switching back and forth from audio to Kindle versions — and the book versions sync to my current place! I’ve been pleasantly surprised to realize some Kindle Unlimited books are available in both versions, so I can go back and forth seamlessly as part of my monthly subscription.

I share what I’ve read in my #PorchStories emails every other week. 

Cooking

When we are in a busy season, cooking is the first thing to go for me, yet when I have time cooking truly brings me joy. 

Throughout Fall Break this week, I’ve been cooking. I made dinner four nights in a row: homemade salsa verde for chicken tacos (with extra batches in the freezer!), zucchini boats with beef, chili, and poppyseed chicken. In addition to time, I also had fresh produce from a farmer friend. I’ve also made banana bread and zucchini bread. 

Food certainly doesn’t have to be complicated. I’m a simple cook, really, but the process is therapeutic for me, especially when Walmart+ keeps delivering me groceries!

So why hobbies? 

When I’m working puzzles, I’m not scrolling and filling my mind. When I’m reading a book, I’m not dwelling on things I can’t control. When I’m cooking in my kitchen, I’m thinking about how food nourishes and, more importantly, brings us together. When I see my plants grow, I’m reminded of the spiritual analogies of roots, good soil, and fruit. 

We aren’t meant to carry the weight of the world. Only Christ can do that. When I engage my mind and hands in hobbies, I feel lighter emotionally and mentally. In those hobbies, I can see God moving in my life, and I can take a deep breath without worrying I’m forgetting to do something. 

Perhaps you’re similar. How can you step away from the hustle and noise and find God’s peace that passes all our understanding? Working a puzzle isn’t going to solve any problems, but it is going to help me quiet my soul and seek Christ alone. 

Maybe one day I’ll get back to scrapbooking, a hobby that’s stuck in 2022. 

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God authors the stories on our porches – in every season. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to receive #PorchStories emails about every other week.