Contributing with Hobbies

Talking with a friend tonight something occurred to me. OK, maybe it's obvious, but hobbies, interests, and passions are important.

From a Biblical perspective, I think they serve a few purposes, and if they serve all three (there could be more), they can become a hobby for a long and purposeful time. For myself, I will use photography as an example.

1) Refreshing.

A hobby, interest, or passion should probably have a refreshing component. This means that it should recharge you. This could be something that makes you feel good afterwards or brings you back to a state of calmness or sharp thought. Photography is a great hobby that I feel like I really enjoy. It is an energizing experience shooting and editing photos and I love going back and looking at my work. It's really fun.

2) Worshipful.

A hobby, interest, or passion should probably incorporate God. I love creating for just God. I love creating in a way that is capturing. In this, I mean that I love to capture what God has put out there and frame it in a new way. It's also a great way to pray or listen to worship music and sermons while I work.

3) Contributing.

A hobby, interest, or passion should probably be fruiphotographytful. This means that my hobby is better if I contribute to society in some way (through service, creating, or sharing). This is convicting, as it tends to mean that video games aren't the best long term version for my life. However, is art and it helps to solidify memories for people. I am able to serve while I'm refreshed and worshipful.

Now, this is an off the cuff thought, but I really wanted to share it and am curious if there are things I'm missing or if these are disagreeable. I'd love feedback.