Twice in the last week I’ve been asked about my hobbies. I’m always at a loss when asked that question. In wondering why that question is so hard for me to answer I’ve come up with a couple of thoughts.
First, as a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom I have difficulty distinguishing between hobby and work. I love picking out curriculum and looking through school resources…is that work or a hobby? I love reading the books my kids are reading so we can discuss them…is that work or a hobby? What about teaching Bible study…is that work or a hobby? There are parts of my life that I definitely do not love and so get classified as work, grading being the example that immediately comes to mind. The housework part of my life is definitely not a hobby, I would give that up in a heartbeat!
Second, if I admit my hobbies then I usually get strange looks so I’m a bit reluctant to confess them. Here’s a partial list of ‘hobbies’ I’ve pursued in the last year: taking two classes from CCEF (Dynamics of Biblical Change and Biblical Interpretation), practicing Spanish with Duolingo, Scripture Typer for Bible memory, Frame’s ethics class on iTunesU, studying for the first actuarial exam, blogging, reading 3-4 books a week both fiction and non-fiction, reading through Calvin’s Institutes, working on a cross-stitch Christmas stocking for my son, and various computer games. People don’t seem to know what to do with that list and I generally choose not to share most of it.
So why am I reluctant to share it? I think mainly because sharing that list generally separates me from the person I’m talking to. They are looking for common interests and it is rare when that list offers them a significant one. I think I need to start being braver about sharing. It is after all whom I am.
Talk with Kathy 