ON THE COVER
No idle hands here
People who keep busy being creative
Stories by Monique Harrison-Henderson Contributing Writer
Photos by Trenton Steele
Idle hands . Across cultures , philosophers and theologians have had a lot to say about them – and almost all of it has been negative . A popular Puritan proverb quoted frequently on Mississippi front porches , from church pulpits and in Sunday school classes large and small , tells us that “ idle hands are the devil ’ s workshop .” “ The devil temps all , but the idle tempt the devil ,” is a popular Turkish proverb , while an Irish proverb cautions us that “ idleness is a fool ’ s desire .” A Malagasy Proverb warns us that “ idleness moves so slowly that it will be overtaken by misery .” A group of East Central Mississippi residents say they agree with the idea that sitting still for too long can lead to trouble , and that staying busy and using their activities to connect with others can lead to a happier , healthier and even longer life . The group , who include a florist , jewelry-maker , doll repairer , quilter , and a guitarist , all emphasize the importance of keeping their hands busy and staying active and engaged in the world around them . Local florist and floral arrangement teacher Benny Harrison is especially adamant about the dangers of sitting still for too long . “ I mean , if you ain ’ t got something to do and you are just sitting around – just sitting ? Nothing good is going to happen from that ! I believe that idle hands are the devil ’ s workshop ,” Harrison said firmly . “ I ’ m not sure exactly what the devil ’ s workshop would be for me , but I have always heard it and always stayed away from idleness . I don ’ t smoke , drink or gamble – have never been interested in any of it . But I do like to eat . We all have our weaknesses and there ’ s no need to tempt it .” Longtime jewelry-maker Neubern Atkinson agreed . “ If I sit still for too long , I just don ’ t feel right ,” he said . “ I get out of sorts . People need to have things to occupy themselves – to keep their hands busy , but also their minds . The mind is a big part of it , too .”
6 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN