Hobbies

According to the dictionary, a hobby is an activity of interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation.  On 23 January 2018, the boys of OR-1531, spent some time discussing hobbies and learning how hobbies can make then better people.

After coming up with a list of different categories of Hobbies (Indoors, Outdoors, Collections, Competitions, Observations) they peppered one another with examples of each.  The boys universally loved reading, playing sports, hiking, and building with legos.  Some of the more interesting hobbies in the group were collecting coins/money, building models, and stargazing.  When one of the boys mentioned playing computer games, an interesting discussion unfolded about what makes some hobbies better than others.

The boys were reminded that a virtue is a good habit, and good hobbies build good habits.  (See, Virtues and Values) Since we had recently gone fishing, we used that activity as our guide.  The boys made a list of good habits developed when fishing, patience (one must wait), diligence (carefulness – be aware of others and take the time to prepare your tackle), and fortitude (it can get cold).  While video games do not necessarily form bad habits, the boys have observed that when at someone’s house where others are playing video games, they are excluded.  It was a great discussion.

The boys were then divided into teams to explore the universally loved hobby, Lego.  It was a relay of sorts, with teammates running to a table to work on a lego project and then switching when the timer went off!

The boys were left with the verse from Ecclesiastes 3:1+:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

There is a time for work, play, rest, personal prayer, and life in the Church.  Good hobbies should be a part of our life, but not distract from our duties.  Trailmen should avoid hobbies that do not develop into good habits.