Archeologist dig up items that give us a look into the past. In finding these hidden remains of a culture now lost, we can discover so much! We learn how these people lived, what kind of clothes they wore, how their government was structured, and perhaps most importantly we get a glimpse at what they deemed most valuable. I wonder . . . if many many years down the road an archeologist perfomed a dig right over our homes what would he or she find? What would they discover about our values and priorities?
For many, it might look little something like this:
The people of this ancient culture worshiped the big black square. Inside this square they sought answers to life's every question. Every home had one of these idols at the center of the main room. Individuals would gather for hours at a time in the evening after coming home from work to worship, and listen to everything the big black box had to say. Although some seem to have made this worship a family event, the fact that there were usually numerous black squares throughout the house suggest that worship time was very private . . .
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| Photo Credit: Annalog85 @ Stock.xchng |
My husband and I will be getting rid of our Satellite next month. For the two years we have been married we probably have not watched a full days worth of TV. Even with DVR it is rare for us to watch TV. The few times I have turned on the big black square I have been a little sad. I remember growing up watching shows like Cosby, Full House, Home Improvement, Boy Meet's World, Friends etc. Our family did spend time watching TV together, and it seemed like a great way to unwind and relax after a long day/week. Once I went to college, I didn't really have much time to follow all the shows, so other than popping in a movie every now and then I didn't really watch the thing too much. Now, when I turn the TV on I am distraught at the lack of decency.
I wish I could say I am astounded to hear reports that say the average woman watches about 5 1/2 hours of TV per day. For children the number is 3 1/2, and for men 4 1/2. Unfortunately, this doesn't surprise me . . . if you figure people get off work at 5 pm, start watching TV with their microwaved dinner by 6, then that gives them 4 good hours to watch their favorite shows or sports in the evening. Of course then there are those days we have off! . . . .Ok, I take it back, these numbers do surprise me . . . WOW! 5 hours/day!??? I don't completely understand how it is possible, but I do understand why someone would want to spend all that time in front of the tube. It's kind of like eating junk food. Sure a little every once in a while won't hurt you, but it's addicting. Once you start, you want more and more. It's not until you step back and fast from all the junk that you realize how unwholesome it really is, and you can then see the effects it was having!
Since we don't watch TV much anymore, when we do turn it on, I am very aware of all the junk! This has also been the case for me in regards to secular popular music stations. I used to listen to them often, but then I started leaving it on Christian music. After about two years of only listening to Christian music while driving to work, I can say that now I am appalled when I flip to the popular station. My initial reaction was to think "boy, songs (and TV) just keep getting worse and worse, what is this culture coming to!?" Then, I think back at some of the songs I listened to growing up, and some of those TV shows I watched. Many were far from edifying. I even think back to some of the classic rock songs that were popular when my parents were growing up . . . again, far from edifying. What I am saying is, this is not a new phenomenon, but in the midst of listening/watching all the junk we become desensitized. When we finally break away from all the subliminal messages we can see them for what they really are . . .junk!
For the last several days we have been hosting three ten-year old girls who are traveling with the African Children's Choir. Prior to being a host family we had to read through several stipulations. Kids may not watch TV or play video games, and they are not allowed to have candy or soda. Believe it or not our church had a bit of a hard time finding families who would be willing to host. Not only this, when I told my students at school about the girls, they asked with shock, "What did you do with them?". So many have this attitude, and Christians are right there with the rest of the world.
Some would say the kids from the African Children's Choir are sheltered, but maybe that is not so bad. These kids are sweet, polite, respectful, and able to communicate better than most English speaking adults. What we put into our minds is what is going to come out. Perhaps we should be more intentional about filtering what goes in, so that we are more fruitful in our words and deeds.
What would you do without TV? Could you give up your Satellite for a few days? What about indefinitely?
Here are a few ideas of things to do this summer instead of watching the big black square
(I would love to hear your ideas as well):
Work on projects around the house,
Learn a new skill/hobby (sewing, cooking, dancing, photography, etc.)
Read together
Play outside games (horseshoes, ladder ball, croquet, washers, etc.)
Ride bikes,
Take a walk
Call an old friend
Paint a picure
Create a homemade present
Write a letter
Try a new recipe
Play a board game or cards
Have a dance with music and everything for the family
Get out the video camera and make your own movie!
Plant some flowers or a garden
Catch fireflies (aka lightning bugs)
Camp out with a bon fire and smores
Go fishing
