So, I put the poem to music. Hope you enjoy. Please share your thoughts if you like.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Old Black Train
The old black trains, runnin it’s tracks
When the whistle blows, aint no turnin back
I can ride those rails or choose to stay
I’ll ride those rails any day
Carry me home, train don’t stop
Go on, go on, I’ve made my plot
The whistles blowing, I’m heaven bound
Where I’m goin, is where I’m found
I’ve seen the train, it runs river side
For all those goin it’s a bumpy ride
The rivers cold if the people get wet
But the ebb and flow washes all regret
Starts with judgment and ends the same
Regardless your stop, you’re to blame
The tunnels dark will make you blind
But freedom lies on the other side
Carry me home, train don’t stop
Go on, go on, I’ve made my plot
The whistles blowing, I’m heaven bound
Where I’m goin, is where I’m found
Derek Markgraf
12-20-2010
When the whistle blows, aint no turnin back
I can ride those rails or choose to stay
I’ll ride those rails any day
Carry me home, train don’t stop
Go on, go on, I’ve made my plot
The whistles blowing, I’m heaven bound
Where I’m goin, is where I’m found
I’ve seen the train, it runs river side
For all those goin it’s a bumpy ride
The rivers cold if the people get wet
But the ebb and flow washes all regret
Starts with judgment and ends the same
Regardless your stop, you’re to blame
The tunnels dark will make you blind
But freedom lies on the other side
Carry me home, train don’t stop
Go on, go on, I’ve made my plot
The whistles blowing, I’m heaven bound
Where I’m goin, is where I’m found
Derek Markgraf
12-20-2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
What's Right?
Today I heard an interesting story. Apparently there is an unwed woman that has attended a church around, though infrequently. She's pregnant and showed up at church this past Sunday. She didn't attend either service, but came in between services with invitations. She was throwing herself a baby shower. There is an attitude of some members that this is wrong. Not only is she not attending services, she's asking people to come to her baby shower while on the property. It's clear she wants people to bring her things for her baby. She's "using" the church. I have to wonder though, should people even be able to "use" the church? That sounds like I'm against her coming and doing this, but it is really quite the opposite. What I mean is, if we're ministering in light of the way Jesus ministered...should people even have a chance to make it their agenda to "use" the church to help their needs. In other words, this woman is clearly seeking help from a place she has at least made prior connections to. I wonder, what if the church would have thought to provide her with a shower first. Wouldn't that have been right? Some will say, "no, not if she's not giving back to the church." But that makes me wonder, what is the church's role? Aren't we as a body instructed to care for the poor and any in need?(1 John 3:17-19) Didn't Jesus himself say he was the least of these presented before us? (Matt. 25:33-40)When did Jesus first require a commitment to the church before healing anyone. Isn't that what this woman is seeking?
Sure, there are always people who are out to beat the system. There are people waiting to make the church a "sucker" who they plan to play and get all they can and then move one. Oddly enough though, I don't think the church can be a "sucker". If we are to love all the way Christ loved us, that involves offering the same grace to others that Christ offers to us. I'd like to say all churches would do this, but I'd be foolish to believe that. I know there have been situations where I certainly have been on the other side of this argument. We are imperfect and I am certainly no exception. With that, I'll leave us with something from the gospel of Luke.
Luke 6:30-36
30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Sure, there are always people who are out to beat the system. There are people waiting to make the church a "sucker" who they plan to play and get all they can and then move one. Oddly enough though, I don't think the church can be a "sucker". If we are to love all the way Christ loved us, that involves offering the same grace to others that Christ offers to us. I'd like to say all churches would do this, but I'd be foolish to believe that. I know there have been situations where I certainly have been on the other side of this argument. We are imperfect and I am certainly no exception. With that, I'll leave us with something from the gospel of Luke.
Luke 6:30-36
30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
True Colors
So, lately I've been roller skating outside for some exercise. I've gained a little more weight than I'd ever hoped (as I write this I'm eating a cookie - this could be some of the problem) and so I decided it was time to get back in the habit of doing some cardiovascular workouts. I love the outdoors and I love to skate - so this is the perfect combination. I've started out skating 3 miles a day. AS that gets easier, I'll go further...but for now it's plenty.
Yesterday, skating threw my neighborhood, I skated over some dead leaves. Not leaves that had fallen last year and were still hangin around, these were this years leaves. I was saddened. It's just over halfway through August, and because of the lack of water, our trees are already dropping their leaves. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, but this year I'm afraid the trees won't be turning their beautiful shades of yellow, red, and orange because we simply haven't had enough rainfall. The trees will change, but they just won't be as vibrant. The weather plays a major part in how bright the colors are each year. Rain plays a major part because the more moisture (water) the brighter the leaf!
Something else that's interesting is that the fall colors we see on the trees are actually the leaves true colors. In other words, leaves aren't green, they're simply filled with chlorophyll which makes them appear green. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, the chlorophyll is removed and the true color of the leaf is revealed. Basically, we see the true beauty of the tree once the green is gone.
This reminds me very much of our walk with Christ. Christ is the living water. (John 4:13-14) Until we drink of this water, we are perpetually thirsty. We continually seek water that is unquenchable. But once we do drink that water and accept Christ, our sin is removed and our true colors are shown. God is able to work in and through us once we completely drink him in. Much like the trees need water in the summer to shine their brightest once the chlorophyll is removed, we need the living water of a savior to to help are true colors shine when He removes our sin.
What well are you drinking from? Are you in a drought, or are your true colors out for the world to see the living Christ in you?
Yesterday, skating threw my neighborhood, I skated over some dead leaves. Not leaves that had fallen last year and were still hangin around, these were this years leaves. I was saddened. It's just over halfway through August, and because of the lack of water, our trees are already dropping their leaves. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, but this year I'm afraid the trees won't be turning their beautiful shades of yellow, red, and orange because we simply haven't had enough rainfall. The trees will change, but they just won't be as vibrant. The weather plays a major part in how bright the colors are each year. Rain plays a major part because the more moisture (water) the brighter the leaf!
Something else that's interesting is that the fall colors we see on the trees are actually the leaves true colors. In other words, leaves aren't green, they're simply filled with chlorophyll which makes them appear green. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, the chlorophyll is removed and the true color of the leaf is revealed. Basically, we see the true beauty of the tree once the green is gone.
This reminds me very much of our walk with Christ. Christ is the living water. (John 4:13-14) Until we drink of this water, we are perpetually thirsty. We continually seek water that is unquenchable. But once we do drink that water and accept Christ, our sin is removed and our true colors are shown. God is able to work in and through us once we completely drink him in. Much like the trees need water in the summer to shine their brightest once the chlorophyll is removed, we need the living water of a savior to to help are true colors shine when He removes our sin.
What well are you drinking from? Are you in a drought, or are your true colors out for the world to see the living Christ in you?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
How I Know I'm a Guy - #2
As many of you know, my last post was about how I know I'm a guy. It was a little stab at myself for recognizing some of the silly things I do. The title comes from the fact that my wife usually responds to such silliness with "You're such a guy!" Well, just the other day it happened again.
I had just walked in from a days work and was ready to head back to my room and change into some comfy clothes. We have a ranch style house and my room is the last on the left at the end of a long hall (not really that long). So, on my way back to the room I began to take off my shirt before I made it to the room. Got back to my room, changed clothes, and headed back to the kitchen for a drink. While in the room, I noticed my wife had done some rearranging. I made a mental note to be sure and say something to her about how I liked it and the room looked nice. As i got to the kitchen to pour my drink my wife came in and said, "what did you think about the room?" "I liked it", I replied. "I was going to tell you I thought it looked nice." Then she said, "I don't know what to do with the dresser?" Here's where I begin to get confused. My wife and I don't have a dresser so naturally, I'm puzzled as to what she's talking about. "What Dresser?" I asked. "The boys dresser", she replied. So, now I'm confused again because the boys dresser is in the play room and has nothing to do with our room. "the boys dresser, what do you mean?" I continued. "The boys dresser at the end of the hall" she said. "What!" I was blown out of the water. I leaned my head around the corner and sure enough, at the end of the hall was the boys dresser. Not only had I walked by it without noticing it...I'd even laid my shirt on the dresser on my way into my room from changing clothes. I couldn't believe I was oblivious to this new placement of furniture. Our house is only 1100 sq. ft. So, when things are moved, it's not hard to notice. However, because I'm a guy, I somehow managed to look right past it...even after using it to distribute my shirt on to ( i know, dirty shirts go in the laundry...that's another post for another day.)
So, I guess the solution to this one is to simply open my eyes and look around every once in a while. HA! It kind of makes me wonder...what has God rearranged in my life that I'm ignoring too? I know one thing, I'll be looking.
I had just walked in from a days work and was ready to head back to my room and change into some comfy clothes. We have a ranch style house and my room is the last on the left at the end of a long hall (not really that long). So, on my way back to the room I began to take off my shirt before I made it to the room. Got back to my room, changed clothes, and headed back to the kitchen for a drink. While in the room, I noticed my wife had done some rearranging. I made a mental note to be sure and say something to her about how I liked it and the room looked nice. As i got to the kitchen to pour my drink my wife came in and said, "what did you think about the room?" "I liked it", I replied. "I was going to tell you I thought it looked nice." Then she said, "I don't know what to do with the dresser?" Here's where I begin to get confused. My wife and I don't have a dresser so naturally, I'm puzzled as to what she's talking about. "What Dresser?" I asked. "The boys dresser", she replied. So, now I'm confused again because the boys dresser is in the play room and has nothing to do with our room. "the boys dresser, what do you mean?" I continued. "The boys dresser at the end of the hall" she said. "What!" I was blown out of the water. I leaned my head around the corner and sure enough, at the end of the hall was the boys dresser. Not only had I walked by it without noticing it...I'd even laid my shirt on the dresser on my way into my room from changing clothes. I couldn't believe I was oblivious to this new placement of furniture. Our house is only 1100 sq. ft. So, when things are moved, it's not hard to notice. However, because I'm a guy, I somehow managed to look right past it...even after using it to distribute my shirt on to ( i know, dirty shirts go in the laundry...that's another post for another day.)
So, I guess the solution to this one is to simply open my eyes and look around every once in a while. HA! It kind of makes me wonder...what has God rearranged in my life that I'm ignoring too? I know one thing, I'll be looking.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
How I know I'm a guy!
Expect this blog to come and go in many parts. I've decided to take time every now and then and laugh at things that make me realize i'm such a "guy". This blog will probably come at both the surprise, and satisfaction of my wife...and possibly to all women. I'm not trying to side with the women on who acts crazier...I believe we all have our nuances that are a bit silly. But, as stereo types go, I'm checking myself to see how many I fit. Some stereo types will be common knowledge, others will probably relate more specifically to things that I do and my wife's response would be, "you're such a guy". So, in good fun, I'm gonna laugh at some of these, and at others I'll reflect and see if there's any legitimacy to the accusations. In others words, is there room for improvement. I definitely think there will be. So, if you'd like gentlemen, come join me on this silly adventure. Women, chime in if you like. Who knows, maybe after this is done, I'll through out some stereo types for you women to reflect on too. Dangerous territory...yes. But, in the spirit of self-reflection and improvement...and some laughter along the way, I think it could be very useful. So, without further adieu...
#1 - I realized today when I was putting dishes away that after 7 years of living in the same house, I still don't know where all the dishes go. Amazingly, I seem to know where they are when I want to use one, but can't seem to remember where they go when putting them up.
Solution - apparently I really do need to pay more attention. Today I'll ask my wife where about three different items go, she'll tell me, and then I'll remember. I guess it's about time I make a mental note so next time I can complete the job. I'm such a GUY!
#1 - I realized today when I was putting dishes away that after 7 years of living in the same house, I still don't know where all the dishes go. Amazingly, I seem to know where they are when I want to use one, but can't seem to remember where they go when putting them up.
Solution - apparently I really do need to pay more attention. Today I'll ask my wife where about three different items go, she'll tell me, and then I'll remember. I guess it's about time I make a mental note so next time I can complete the job. I'm such a GUY!
Wesleyan Wisdom: recovering the Arminian foundation of Grace theology
Here is an amazing article on Arminianism and it's importance. This is in reference to United Methodists, but I think it's important for all to read!
To Read This Article Click Here!
To Read This Article Click Here!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
It IS All About YOU, isn't it?
First, let me explain by taking the defensive. I write this in no way supporting pride and/or the prideful sinful nature that we are born into. This post is written from a different perspective…one of love. Most importantly, God’s overwhelming love and His desire, based on that love, to be in relationship with us.
Why am I writing this blog? The simple answer is because I’m tired of the “It’s not about you” slogans I see everywhere. I do agree that there is one side of this faith that is NOT about you. It’s about God. But, there is a relational side of this faith that I believe is all about YOU!
Let me pose some questions.
1) 1.Who did the creator create in order to be in relationship with him? YOU
2) 2. Who did he allow to help him in naming the animals? YOU
3) 3. Who did he give the 10 commandments to? YOU
4) 4. Who did he send his son to die on the cross for? YOU
5) 5. Who did he leave the living scriptures for? YOU
6) 6. Who did he entrust the continuation of his ministry on earth t0? YOU
7) 7. Who did he promise eternal life to? YOU
Maybe the correct slogan isn’t “it’s not about you”. It scares me to think when we continue to think we are worthless, terrible creatures we continue to put down God’s handiwork…and God doesn’t create junk. God obviously thought we were worth dying for. That love is all about us. God is all about us. I’m equally convinced my title is the wrong slogan too. It’s certainly not just about us, far from it. We were created to serve God. To bring him joy. To bring him worship which he deserves. It is only through HIS grace we are saved. It is HIS standards we’re to live up to. So, maybe in the end, the best slogan would, “It’s about God AND you.” Hasn’t that always been the way it is?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
How To Grow A Church.
This video is a great lesson on leadership. I think it's excellent advice on how to grow a church. I snagged this from youtube. It's entitled, "Leadership Lessons From The Dancing Guy". Pay attention class...lol!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Inspired by the King of Rag - Scott Joplin
I enjoy a good Rag! I really love the joy you feel while listening to Rgtime music. The syncopation's in the music make you wanna tap your feet and smile. I've loved Ragtime since I was a kid. I wrote my first Rag while in high school. However, it has been a while since I actually set down for a good listen. I did just that a few days ago and the result was some inspiration for a new Rag. I played this in one take, so excuse the mistakes. I'm no Scott Joplin, that's for sure. But, nevertheless, I thought some of you might enjoy something to tap your foot to...and hopefully it brings a smile. Blessings!
Missional Vs. Attractional
So I've recently discovered a debate raging in the land of the Christian bubble. Which style of church is more effective in creating disciples of Christ. Disciples of Christ would be what we would like to think of as Christians. Those who follow Christ. What I'm running into is, how do we know? What I mean is, there are many "Christians" who attend church on Sunday and live a decent enough lifestyle, but aren't necessarily living the life of Christ embodied in their own life. The debate between the Attractional church and the Missional church is based around which is the most effective tool to create Christian disciples. Before we go any further, I'll briefly explaining the difference between the two.
The Attractional church is one that is Christ centered and is solid. It creates/mixes powerful worship services and/with programs to "attract" the outside world to their doors. This is the style of church most of the Western world is used to. It's probably what you attend if you attend church somewhere. They come in all sizes from small churches to mega churches.
There are some who believe the Attractional church will fade away and is only catering to a fading demographic. So, they suggest a Missional church is the answer. The Missional church is one that is liquid. That is, they adapt to the cultural/social surroundings and attempt to move in that culture. It exists in the culture, but without sacrificing any of it's core values or beliefs. In fact, the Missional church would say that living a Christ life in the midst of those needing discipleship is the only way to create true disciples...and they'd back that by pointing to Jesus as their primary example.
So again, the debate is over the most effective method. My question again is, how would we know? There seems to be a very thin line between an authentic Christian and the average church goer these days. Honestly, I know there are days that I myself would be in question. Again, a disciple of Christ is one who follows Christ's example and lives that out in their daily life. They're not someone who merely mimics Christ, but truly embraces a lifestyle like Christ. I'm positive both churches produce such people. However, there is the other side of that line where people are genuinely excited about church and the fellowship, but they haven't quite caught the concept of embracing Christ in the totality of their lives. I believe both churches are producing these people as well.
For me, I think both churches provide a need to people. I think the attractional church is actually fluid if it's what the demographic of that particular area needs. However, I also find the idea of the Missional church to most closely represent Christ's life through his church. So I also agree that the church should be living amidst the very people it seeks to impact. But, even so, that doesn't answer my question within the debate. How do we know which church is more effective? Maybe the answer lies in both.
The Attractional church is one that is Christ centered and is solid. It creates/mixes powerful worship services and/with programs to "attract" the outside world to their doors. This is the style of church most of the Western world is used to. It's probably what you attend if you attend church somewhere. They come in all sizes from small churches to mega churches.
There are some who believe the Attractional church will fade away and is only catering to a fading demographic. So, they suggest a Missional church is the answer. The Missional church is one that is liquid. That is, they adapt to the cultural/social surroundings and attempt to move in that culture. It exists in the culture, but without sacrificing any of it's core values or beliefs. In fact, the Missional church would say that living a Christ life in the midst of those needing discipleship is the only way to create true disciples...and they'd back that by pointing to Jesus as their primary example.
So again, the debate is over the most effective method. My question again is, how would we know? There seems to be a very thin line between an authentic Christian and the average church goer these days. Honestly, I know there are days that I myself would be in question. Again, a disciple of Christ is one who follows Christ's example and lives that out in their daily life. They're not someone who merely mimics Christ, but truly embraces a lifestyle like Christ. I'm positive both churches produce such people. However, there is the other side of that line where people are genuinely excited about church and the fellowship, but they haven't quite caught the concept of embracing Christ in the totality of their lives. I believe both churches are producing these people as well.
For me, I think both churches provide a need to people. I think the attractional church is actually fluid if it's what the demographic of that particular area needs. However, I also find the idea of the Missional church to most closely represent Christ's life through his church. So I also agree that the church should be living amidst the very people it seeks to impact. But, even so, that doesn't answer my question within the debate. How do we know which church is more effective? Maybe the answer lies in both.
What if The Church Was More Than Just A Building?
My whole life I’ve heard people say, “The church isn’t a building, it’s the people.” There is no truer statement than this…right? We get this idea from the Greek word ecclesia, which when translated refers to God’s people or…fellowship. This is the New Testament term that is used for “church”. So, naturally, when we talk about the church, we want to assume we’re talking about the people that make up the church. For some reason, I was pondering what the church might actually look like if it were just a building. Join me on the venture, would ya?
1) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than an event where we meet strangers and acquaintances once or twice a week, not a gathering place of family and friends where we all know each other intimately. (Eph. 2:19)
2) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a battlefield for disagreements, not a place where we care, love and respect one another through our unified diversity. (Eph. 1: 10)
3) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a cooperation run like any other business with committee meetings and business heads, not a community of fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters or children that work to meet the needs of not only them, but others. (1 John 2: 13-14)
4) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a place where affection is pushed to the edges for fear of controversy, not a place where we “greet all brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.” (1 Thess. 5: 26)
5) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a place where we accept those we choose (for various reasons), not a place where we accept everyone just as Christ has accepted us. (Romans 15:7)
6) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a space where we sit and listen, not a gathering where the community participates and contributes to the living worship of Christ. (Eph. 4: 11-16)
7) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a place for programs to attract people inside, not a fellowship where the community goes out to meet the needs of others. (Matthew 28: 16-20)
I guess that’s what the church would look like if it were simply a building and not the living hands and feet of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lucky for us, our churches today look nothing like that….right?
1) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than an event where we meet strangers and acquaintances once or twice a week, not a gathering place of family and friends where we all know each other intimately. (Eph. 2:19)
2) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a battlefield for disagreements, not a place where we care, love and respect one another through our unified diversity. (Eph. 1: 10)
3) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a cooperation run like any other business with committee meetings and business heads, not a community of fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters or children that work to meet the needs of not only them, but others. (1 John 2: 13-14)
4) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a place where affection is pushed to the edges for fear of controversy, not a place where we “greet all brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.” (1 Thess. 5: 26)
5) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a place where we accept those we choose (for various reasons), not a place where we accept everyone just as Christ has accepted us. (Romans 15:7)
6) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a space where we sit and listen, not a gathering where the community participates and contributes to the living worship of Christ. (Eph. 4: 11-16)
7) If the church were just a building, it’d be nothing more than a place for programs to attract people inside, not a fellowship where the community goes out to meet the needs of others. (Matthew 28: 16-20)
I guess that’s what the church would look like if it were simply a building and not the living hands and feet of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lucky for us, our churches today look nothing like that….right?
Taking Things For Granted
Hebrew 13: 16 - Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship
My wife and I have decided that we might be allowing the TV to take too much time in our lives. As a matter of fact, while I type this, the TV is on. No one is watching, but it just seems to be the habit in our house. We come home and the TV immediately gets turned on. The more we thought about this, the more we thought we should take some steps to illuminate the control the TV has on our lives. We’re not anti-TV in anyway, we just want our family to find some more creative time and space to spend together. Our answer…NO TV DAYS. This is actually no electronics of any kind. We don’t turn on the TV, radio, no WII, no DS and even no computer until I go to work. It’s certainly an adjustment.
Our No TV Days are Mondays and Thursdays. On Mondays I watch my boys in the morning while my wife takes an early shift at her job. So, when Sunday nights roll around and I’m finished with my responsibilities, I begin to settle in and worry about Monday morning. I’m always concerned with what in the world I’m gonna do with my 5 and 1 1/2 year olds. How am I gonna make it without the TV? The funny thing is, these moments are quickly becoming my favorite time in my week. My boys get up and ask to turn on the TV (is that a problem?). But, I remind them it’s a No TV Day and they immediately head to their rooms for a different adventure. Just this last Monday they both came back with books. So, we sat and read a few books together. Next I was drug by the hand back to the room where we jumped into a heated lightsaber battle. It was a beautiful day, so we got dressed and went to the library. Then we took a stroll downtown where my boys went to the bakery for the first time. We ended up at a nearby park to play on the playground after we finished our wonderful cookies from the bakery. The morning flew by and I felt I was getting the short end of the stick as my wife came home and I headed off to work. Holy Cow! What had I been missing? What had I been taking for granted?
Every No TV Day has turned into precious time with my sons. Time I otherwise was freely giving away to something that returns no love back to them. Ephesians 5:16 says, “Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days.” (KJV) I don’t think the TV in and of itself is evil. But I do believe that anything that takes time away from those we love and from the relationships we can build might be something we should, at least, be weary of. I had let my dependence on our TV to control me relationship with my boys, to the point that I didn’t feel I could make it through a few hours in the morning without it. How foolish of me! This new time was, and is a gift from God! I was taking it for granted and dreading it. James 1:17 says, ““Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (NIV) This is my new understanding of this time. These are moments I’m truly thankful for. They’re moments that I’ll never get back, and that I’ll never forget! Praise be to God.
What are you taking for granted today?
My wife and I have decided that we might be allowing the TV to take too much time in our lives. As a matter of fact, while I type this, the TV is on. No one is watching, but it just seems to be the habit in our house. We come home and the TV immediately gets turned on. The more we thought about this, the more we thought we should take some steps to illuminate the control the TV has on our lives. We’re not anti-TV in anyway, we just want our family to find some more creative time and space to spend together. Our answer…NO TV DAYS. This is actually no electronics of any kind. We don’t turn on the TV, radio, no WII, no DS and even no computer until I go to work. It’s certainly an adjustment.
Our No TV Days are Mondays and Thursdays. On Mondays I watch my boys in the morning while my wife takes an early shift at her job. So, when Sunday nights roll around and I’m finished with my responsibilities, I begin to settle in and worry about Monday morning. I’m always concerned with what in the world I’m gonna do with my 5 and 1 1/2 year olds. How am I gonna make it without the TV? The funny thing is, these moments are quickly becoming my favorite time in my week. My boys get up and ask to turn on the TV (is that a problem?). But, I remind them it’s a No TV Day and they immediately head to their rooms for a different adventure. Just this last Monday they both came back with books. So, we sat and read a few books together. Next I was drug by the hand back to the room where we jumped into a heated lightsaber battle. It was a beautiful day, so we got dressed and went to the library. Then we took a stroll downtown where my boys went to the bakery for the first time. We ended up at a nearby park to play on the playground after we finished our wonderful cookies from the bakery. The morning flew by and I felt I was getting the short end of the stick as my wife came home and I headed off to work. Holy Cow! What had I been missing? What had I been taking for granted?
Every No TV Day has turned into precious time with my sons. Time I otherwise was freely giving away to something that returns no love back to them. Ephesians 5:16 says, “Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days.” (KJV) I don’t think the TV in and of itself is evil. But I do believe that anything that takes time away from those we love and from the relationships we can build might be something we should, at least, be weary of. I had let my dependence on our TV to control me relationship with my boys, to the point that I didn’t feel I could make it through a few hours in the morning without it. How foolish of me! This new time was, and is a gift from God! I was taking it for granted and dreading it. James 1:17 says, ““Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (NIV) This is my new understanding of this time. These are moments I’m truly thankful for. They’re moments that I’ll never get back, and that I’ll never forget! Praise be to God.
What are you taking for granted today?
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