"Lollygaggin'"

 

“Lollygaggin’”

 

One of the perks of retirement is on most days we don’t have to be someplace at a set time. (The COVID-19 crisis has contributed to this trend.) Karen and I have developed this into an art form known as “lollygaggin’”. The Urban Dictionary defines the term as “wasting time, mostly by doing insignificant tasks for personal amusement”. Other renderings include dawdling, loitering, idleness, laziness and vegging. While these meanings aren’t offensive (but maybe a tad unproductive) in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries the word referred to certain immoral actions so it wasn’t used in polite company, Since the primary meaning has changed for the better over the years we’ll continue to use it to describe our morning activity (or lack thereof).

While “lollygaggin’” may bring a bit of humor (Karen has claimed it as a spiritual gift but I can’t find it in any of the biblical lists) there’s an area in which we must avoid it: our walk with Christ. Our Lord’s friend and Apostle wrote, “This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6, emphasis added). How did He walk? In obedience to His Father (“…I always do what pleases him.”—John 8:29); in urgency (“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”—John 9:4, NKJV, emphasis added); and in love (“…Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us….”—Ephesians 5:2, emphasis added). Since He’s our Savior and our example (“Christ, who suffered for you, is your example.”) we must “Follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21, NLT, emphasis added). This means “spiritual lollygaggin’” is out and His Lordship is in.

“Lollygaggin’” provides time to read, talk, pray and recharge our batteries so it has value as we seek balance in life’s demands and challenges. It’s worked for us—why not slow down a bit and give it a shot?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan