Most sin does not cause direct suffering to others. St Teresa of Ávila, however, was acutely aware of the terrible sin of time not being given to God. Even if the activities are menial, banal, or solitary, mental energy should never be dissipated but should instead be directed towards resting in God, serving God, and loving and serving others. This prayer is helpful: 'O my God! Source of all mercy! I acknowledge Your sovereign power. While recalling the wasted years that are past, I believe that You, Lord, can in an instant turn this loss to gain. Miserable as I am, yet I firmly believe that You can do all things. Please restore to me the time lost, giving me Your grace, both now and in the future, that I may appear before You in wedding garments. Amen.'

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels, and crowned them with glory and honor.                          Psalms 8:3-5