Passionate Pastimes

Written by Amanda K. Fowler

This article is courtesy of Christian Single.

If someone asked you to name something you were passionate about (besides your faith, family, and friends), what would you say? If the only thing you come up with is your career, then we'd like to persuade you to expand your horizons by taking up a hobby. They might not bring in a paycheck like your day job (although some have the potential), but they sure do make life a lot more interesting.
      

Because of chronic busyness, many of us have forgotten that we used to have lives outside of work. We used to have fun — and we used to be fun. Spending time working on a new interest will not only stimulate your brain, tap into your creative side, and give you something to do besides watch television, but many interests create opportunities for ministry and friendship in your life.

God created each of us with interests and abilities. How will you explore yours? Here are just a few hobbies that are perpetually popular or experience a surge in popularity from time to time. If none of these suggestions stir your passions, use them as a springboard for checking out other areas of interest.

Knitting and Crocheting — Not Just for Grandmas
It's refreshing to know that Hollywood has spawned a trend besides the questionable fashions of UGG® boots and trucker hats. Magazine photos of stars knitting on-set between scenes have popularized the craft among a whole new generation. Now you're just as likely to see young women knitting in the local coffee shop as you are when you visit your grandma.
 
This is no passing fad. Every yarn shop I've visited in Los Angeles is full of women of all ages … and even a few men. Knitting is relaxing and rewarding, and you can easily do it while watching a movie or having a conversation.
 
Even before it became trendy, knitting ministries were already in place in many churches. Magnolia Baptist Church in Riverside, Calif., has hosted "Knitting 4 Christ" for two years. Twice a month, 20 people get together to fellowship and knit. Most of the time they're making baby items to fill diaper bags, which they give to a local pregnancy counseling clinic.

Tools: Yarn and needles to start; other accessories and patterns will be needed as you learn the art and choose projects.
Teaching Yourself Risk Factor: There are plenty of references online and in books and magazines on how to get started, but unless you're good at thinking two-dimensionally, you may find it easier to have someone show you how. Craft stores like Jo-Ann® and Hobby Lobby® offer beginner classes.

Photography — Being a Shutterbug Is Easy
Digital cameras have made it possible to become an amateur photographer without building a darkroom in your house. Whether it's with a 35mm, a cheap plastic "toy" like the medium-format Holga®, or a digital camera, capturing stills of the world around you will inspire your creative side, move you from snapshots to art, and change the way you look at things. 
 
If you want to explore other options, you can experiment with older Polaroids® or homemade pinhole cameras. An Internet search on pinhole cameras will net you instructions on making one and galleries of pinhole camera photography. There's a lot to discover beyond the world of your old point-and-shoot. Look to your nearest university's adult education program for courses on photography, or ask a camera store about the classes they offer.

Tools: A camera (obviously), printer, photo paper, film, telephoto lenses, and filters, depending on camera type and skill.
Teaching Yourself Risk Factor: Most people know how to take a basic picture without cutting off someone's head, but to learn about more advanced things like shutter speed and f-stops, you'll need a book, some classes, or a patient shutterbug friend.

Jewelry-Making — Wear Your Artwork
Can't find the perfect necklace to go with the outfit you just bought? Make it yourself. With some simple supplies, you can design and make your own accessories. 
 
You can make jewelry with a variety of methods, so do a little research to find out which kind you'd like to learn. Some are quite complicated and may require patience, but the finished product will be well worth it. You'll catch yourself looking at earrings at the mall thinking, I could make something better than that! Your wearable works of art will also make wonderful gifts, and if you get skilled enough, you may even be able to sell your creations.

Tools: Needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, beads, wire, eye pins, hemp, leather, and polished stones. Visit a craft store for classes or to find the proper tools for your specific project.
Teaching Yourself Risk Factor: Easy basic projects can be found online, but be careful with those tools … don't put your eye out!

Golf — Combine Nature, Sport, and Friends
Many people who have never tried golf may not realize what they're missing — it's a fun and different way to spend time outdoors with friends. Unfortunately, for those of us who can't write it off as a business expense, golfing can be a pricey hobby. (You have to pay to play it, and playing it is the only way to get better.)
 
Hitting a bucket of balls at a driving range is pretty inexpensive and excellent practice, but eventually, you'll want the challenge of a making par on a hole. Check out your local public courses and shop around for the best rates or times of day to play — you can usually play cheaper later in the day.
 
Clubs can also be expensive; if you're not picky about what you play with and just want to learn, search eBay® or garage sales for a decent set of used clubs. If you get passionate about the sport, you can start investing in one good club at a time. The great thing is you have a lot of time to invest because golf is a sport you can play well past retirement age.

Tools: Clubs, bag, tees, and golf balls; spikey shoes and funny clothes as needed.
Teaching Yourself Risk Factor: Proper form is important in golf, so it's best not to learn bad habits. A few lessons or a knowledgeable friend will get you on track.

Not Just for Fun:  Turning Hobbies Into Ministries
If your hobby is one that produces practical products like sweaters, necklaces, or fancy stamped-up notecards, then consider getting together with others who have similar products and have a sale to benefit mission trips or other ministries.
 
You could also make scarves for the homeless this winter or baby bonnets for new moms. And if your photography gets to be really good, have an art "showing" at church and sell the prints to raise money for ministries.
  
If your hobby falls more into the sports enthusiast category, consider hosting a golf tournament or other sports outreach events. These gatherings give participants plenty of time to talk and fellowship with one another, and they give the enthusiast a chance to hone his or her skills.

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