January 28
In the last year I’ve done a lot to distract myself from focusing on the loss of Norm. Not that I haven’t felt the loss everyday, but activities and trips have helped me to not just sit home and mourn.
I noticed an increase in time spent on electronic games…not the best use of time. And when I considered not playing them anymore, I had a sense of panic…weird, but indicative of addiction to whatever endorphins they induce. I’ve tried to cut back in the past, but eventually increase my playing time.
As I prayed about the hold it has over me, I decided to set the games aside as a perpetual fast to the Lord. I’ve given them up before, but I’ve always gone back. Will this time be different? I hope so. I don’t do it to gain the favor of the Lord, but by setting them aside, I will have more time for the connections that really matter, including time in prayer.
I haven’t played any electronic games since Sunday, tempted but haven’t succumbed. However, I have increased my Facebook scrolling, you know that click bait that keeps popping up and sucks me in to a story like the old soap operas or tales of revenge or deserved karma. If I stop over a story for longer than a few seconds, more show up like that one. The algorithms at work, not enlightening or of benefit at all to my life.
This is a personal decision, for my life. Some people can play the games and scroll Facebook without consequence. They had an adverse affect on my life and mindset, I needed to change.
Why this? Why now?
Last year when Norm thought he was going to survive the cancer, he began to speak about what he was going to do with the extra time that God had given him. I don’t know what time I have left, but the games and scrolling take away from that time. It limits my interactions with the Lord and with others in my sphere of influence. I don’t want to waste the days the Lord has given to me. I don’t want to stand before the Lord and see hours and hours playing games, alone.
I want to be an encouragement to the people around me. I want to honor the Lord in my words and actions.
Where’s the joy? It’s not in the games or on Facebook.
I am thankful for God who provides everything I need, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
I pray for the wherewithal to keep away from those games and sites that eat my time and keep me from spending time on what really matters.
I rejoice in the Lord God who loves me regardless of my success or failures, and does not depend on my words and actions.
Where’s the joy? I’m hoping to see an increase as I interact with the people around me more fully.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
TRICIA LATHROP 