Memorizing: Romans 1:1-17
Entertainment: (See below)
Thoughts: Good
Today was a good day over all for me. I essentially had the day off, which is not usual for Fridays. But as it turns out, some of the responsibilities I normally have on Fridays were not going on this week, so it gave me a chance to actually get some physical and mental rest. This brings me to the subject then of defining "entertainment."
I've only been doing this blog for a right about 2 weeks now, and I believe, by God's grace it's really helped me. Also for the past two weeks I've been incredibly busy, and thus each and every day I can say with full honesty that the times I listed at "Entertainment" were honest. But today I was presented with an opportunity to genuinely and freely rest. I say "freely" because for at least several days I have nothing pressing that had to be done today. I'm "ahead," you might say. But for the first time since I started this blog I am faced with a dilemma of categorization. Let me explain.
Today I did a number of things that were relaxing and free. I slept in a little bit. Enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee with some oatmeal. I spent probably close to 2 hours reading some blogs that I haven't been able to read in a long time. I wrote some friends emails, played with my son, made pizza for lunch for all of us. One of the more random things I did was read up on the subject of NATO. Don't ask me what prompted that. I also went shopping for the family and made dinner tonight.
So was all of that "entertainment?" I'm not trying to weasel my way out, trust me. So if all that counts as "entertainment" then I'll confess up to 10+ hours of it today. But I ask this question seriously, because I want to be disciplined in where my time goes, even in my off time.
During a typical work week count "entertainment" as things I do to relax. Sometimes these are short moments where I'm working on something and I stop for 15 minutes to "diddle." Diddling may mean I check email, read the news online, play a game of Scrabble on my computer, etc. something to give my mind a break. Entertainment can also be watching a DVD with Cristy when all is said and done at night. It can also be just going for a walk, reading something, playing guitar for a moment, etc. But what about days like today where basically the entire day was "free," did I redeem my time wisely?
I am genuinely interested in your inputs on this matter. How do y'all define "entertainment, rest" and "free time?" How do you think it is best spent? How often should it occur? When must it happen? When should it never happen?
2 comments:
I'm glad you posted this, Thomas, as I've found myself wondering what you've been classifying as "Entertainment."
First a proper introduction. You're probably wondering who this long-haired guy is who keeps dropping notes off and on. The name's Tom and I guess I'm just really interesting in the work you're doing in Russia. There aren't a ton of ministries or missionaries specializing in helping (primarily) people with disabilities. In the last 6 months since my son was born with Down syndrome, a new world has opened to my family.
I'm a missionary kid myself; come from an evangelical (conservative) background. Went to Moody Bible Institute, have family members who went to Liberty University. My parents work with John Piper (Bethlehem Baptist) and he and his wife even read my blog (Noel drops a comment from time-to-time). All that to let you know of my theological background.
So what is entertainment to me? It's the difference between filling up on junk food and sitting down to a good meal.
"Junk food" is usually escapism, a flight from the realities of life.
A "good meal" can be comprised of several courses and take up hours of our day, but it nourishes and revitalizes us.
I'm a huge Star Wars fan - it "nourishes" me. So does watching a soccer game. But some nights I sit and watch whatever is on, and feel like I've wasted the whole evening doing nothing. "Junk food." Escapism.
I've rarely worn a watch. Probably because I grew up in South America where abstract time (hours) isn't as important as lived time (relationships). If your entertainment time is replenishing you... you're on the right track in my book.
Long post. Sorry.
Thomas,
I have to admit that when I saw the "entertainment" category on this blog when you started it... I was a tad baffled. Knowing you and the way you can jump from one idea to the next with total devotion for anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 hours at a time, I really didn't know what you meant by "entertainment." Now that you've clarified that you really don't know either, I actually feel much better.... :)
Two quick thoughts:
1. Throughout the years, I've thought often about the phrase "pray without ceasing"...
2. Lately I've thought quite a bit about "Love the Lord your God with ALL..."
Those two things are pretty tough orders...
The only way I can seem to reconcile those while living on earth is to believe that our enjoyment of things on earth (in the areas of freedom... meaning things that deal with preferences and not sins) should be done with an attitude of communing with God, with the knowledge that the Lord Jesus has made this possible for us.
So... the bottom line idea I throw out is... Scrabble and playing with your kids and learning about new things while surfing the internet can be and should be worship.
It's almost like we should never set aside time to pray or worship. Yes, maybe we should set aside time to pray and worship TOGETHER... but the prayer and worshipful attitude should be a foundation for everything we do.
Those are my two rambling cents...
Love ya, Brother!
Keep up the good work!
Post a Comment