Good-bye T.V.

I don't think I even remember how to do this blogging thing. But I will try. Because I have something to say.

We turned off the T.V. today.

This next sentence needs to be BIG, something that communicates the full extent of my despair.Because the television is black and quiet.

I am sad. So very sad. And lonely.

I miss Ryan Seacrest.

I wonder what Paula Deen is making? I know it has 23 pounds of butter in it. Bless her heart.

What is happening on Lost? (cross out that one. I could be watching it and still not know.)

So a while back we began talking about turning off the television. Well, ROD began talking about it and I "listened supportively" and then made some popcorn and turned the channel.

Then he told me that we would have money to support two more children in Uganda through Compassion International if we used the Dish Network funds.

So I began weighing my options:

A:a fun filled evening of reclining on my fluffy pillows and watching America's Next Top Model. Good times.

or

B:helping feed a hungry child in Africa

A:hours spent relaxing and laughing with my bff's Jim, Pam, Kevin, Dwight Shrute and Michael Scott on The Office. Oh the fun we've had.

or

B: helping house and educate a four year old girl named Esther in Uganda who has no mother.

A: Cheering on my teams during football season while snacking on Crack dip and pizza.

or

B: Letting a 13 year old fatherless boy in Uganda know that Jesus is alive and loves him, and because of that a family in Oregon cares enough about him to write letters and send money faithfully every month.

I am honestly so ashamed and humiliated to confess that I had to think about these choices long and hard. I may have even shed a tear or two. Seriously.

Nothing is inherently wrong with watching T.V.

But I think I have used it like a drug since I was a kid. I usually tell myself the show I am watching is so brainless it can't be harmful or I don't agree with everything in this, but it's not that bad. I drape myself across a bed or recliner and snuggle up with my brain candy.

At the end of the day,it has been my comfort place, my reward, my refuge.

Wow.

Typing those words just hit me like a sledge hammer.

T.V. has totally been my idol.

I have been trying to get my comfort from reality television.

"God is our refuge and strength always ready to help in times of trouble." Psalm 46:1

"I, yes, I am the One who comforts you." Isaiah 51:12

"God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in our troubles so we can comfort others." 2nd Corinthians 1 :3-4

I'll be forced to be more intentional about choosing what things to spend my time on, and attempting to ensure that I better recognize God's kingship in my life.

In the end, Esther and Godfrey beat out Ryan Seacrest, Paula Deen and Tyra Banks.

Hands down.

.