Anathema for Amusement

It's funny what becomes entertainment around the house when there is a new baby around. Today the big topic of discussion was Lauren's display of 4, count 'em 4, flip-over manoeuvres in a row. That combined with her sporadic proclaiming of "a-goo" is enough to send the audience into a standing ovation. I love to see Lauren at the end of my day. I look forward to watching her spit-up and smile, more than I ever looked forward to the next episode of Alias (the best spy show that ever was on television).

In fact, I am considering taking television out of my normal day-to-day altogether. How much time to I spend going brain-numb in front of the telescreen? I don't really know. Isn't that the point of it all anyhow? Amuse yourself in between visions of "the good life". Isn't it interesting that the etymological roots of the word "amuse", mean to divert the attention of in order to deceive. English speakers may have altered the common use of the word over the years, but the real intent remains the same. Amuse yourself with the talking heads. Distract yourself so that you can be deceived into thinking that watching other people do things is actually better for you in the long run. Idle Americans watching the American Idol.

Divert your attention so that you feel okay about spending time not being an active member of the family. To be honest, I should admit that I amuse myself by staring at this screen, and checking to see if anyone stopped to read what I have written. I convince myself that this matters. Really. I should go spend time with my daughter and wife every chance I get. Life is too short to spend too much time being amused on purpose.

I didn't intend - I just broke away for a whiiiile there. Spending time with my baby. - to write this when I started. I guess it's something that has been on my mind. I think that, as Americans, we have been fractured as a society. Cable and satellite television channels of a thousand niche interests have transformed our national identity into a paranoid schizophrenic. When FDR had a chat with America by the fireside, he asked America to go to her maps - in order that she might understand the nature of the war they were a part of. As a result, maps sold out. Maps. Sold out. Maps. Why? Because we were less distracted. Less "amused". When our leaders spoke, we looked to understand what was being said.

Perhaps as Christians we should endeavor to avoid mindless amusements when we are called to be ever mindful.

So. I've been rambling. I'm going to guide my focus in areas that are more beneficial. I'll still be blogging. I'm not ready to give it up just yet. I think that the telescreen will be ratcheted down quite a few notches in importance in my life.

With that, I say good night. Be mindful of the life that God has given you. Be ever aware of the gift that is in every breath you take. Waste not. Fear not.

13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;

Philippians 3:13-15 (New American Standard Bible)