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No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. (I Timothy 5:9-15) 

            When my job at the courthouse was eliminated, it felt a little like I’d been widowed. Perhaps it would be better to say that I had been issued divorce papers.. Suddenly, the focus of my life was gone. I knew I needed to find a new job, but I had no motivation. At home, it was no better. Part of the reason I ended up working where I did was because I got frustrated with how little got done when a schedule didn’t force me to get it done quickly. 
           I’ve been facing a little of the same problem since I left my last job to take care of Dad. Having a planner on my computer has helped because it keeps tasks and appointments in front of me. It’s not that I don’t do anything. Maybe it’s just that I don’t feel stressed. I’ve slowed down. A couple of my daily tasks takes me among people who are also not employed. Suffice to say that I see “widows” whose idle hands are the devil’s playground.  
           Then I come home and check out what’s on social media, and it’s even worse. People can’t wait to dish on something meant to humiliate, ridicule, shame, criticize, condemn (of course, if Mr. Trump does it, THEN it’s shameful, inappropriate behavior. Saying something about Rosie O’Donnell’s weight is horrible, but did you see the most recent round of pictures of Walmart shoppers? (By the way, I agree that such behavior is inappropriate.)) 
           I’m sure I’m guilty of some version of this, too. I think it’s one of the problems with being fallen. This is what Paul was talking about: gossiping. It gives you a sense of power, of connectedness, and of superiority. Sometimes we convince ourselves we actually mean well. This person needs help, or people deserve to know. More and more often, I think it’s just meanness. Paul warned Timothy. Widows cared for by the church were to be busy caring for the church. 
            I guess this is an area in which I need to pay more attention to what I share and why. .

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