Things I Learned on my TV Fast

1) Most of what I was watching I really don't miss.
2) My nights are much more relaxed when I'm not trying to keep from "getting behind" on my shows.
3) My son is much more open about what's really going on in his life at night right before he goes to sleep. Whether this is stalling or just when his spirit gets quiet doesn't really matter, because his sharing with me is all that I care about.
4) Due to my willingness to linger in her room a little longer for a few nights in a row and answer some pretty intense spiritual questions for a 5-yr-old, my daughter will now be joining us in the kingdom of Heaven. Welcome your new sister in Christ, Bailey!

Perhaps this is the major reason I wasn't supposed to be watching TV that first week, that the Lord knew I would need to be spending some extra time with her and really listening to her questions. That's definitely reason enough.

But I think also He was just trying to get my attention, get me to refocus a little bit. Before, when I might feel like reading the Word, if it was a Monday night I would probably decide to watch 24 first. Then if I got tired I would go to bed and forget what I'd been planning to read. No matter how you look at it, this is putting TV above God, and that is clearly idol-making. (Speaking of Idol, that's one show I haven't missed even a little bit. Sorry, Simon.)

So, you're asking yourself, is she watching TV again or not? Yes, I am, a little bit. After several lengthy discussions with the Father, I've concluded that the TV itself was not the problem. I don't think that as a believer I have to renounce everything that brings enjoyment that isn't specifically about God. (Think oreos, for instance.) I enjoy watching 24 because it is very relevant in these times we live in. (As a complete rabbit trail, there was a fabulous op ed in the Wall Street Journal this week written by a muslim-American in defense of the show. It's a must read.) Anyway, the plot twists are amazing for a mystery, action-adventure lover like me. The problem was strictly in my priorities. I think we've fixed this for now. And I'm going to be very careful not to sink back into my old ways. If I can't keep from doing this, then it may have to go for good.

So, my friends, please hold me accountable. If I start to act like a nuclear bomb actually has already gone off in California, or begin to work 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42 into regular conversation, just slap me! And thanks for helping me think this through.