This morning, while going through all my Twitter updates, I came across a short article by John Piper on why he doesn’t own a television or go to movies.
One of the problems I face with my recent health problems is that I rarely have any energy (and I mean any!) or concentration. This means that I frequently spend my evening watching DVDs; simply because they require very little of me and provide an entertaining pastime.
I really don’t, however, want to waste my life in this way. What I want to do is spend time with my wife & kids, read books that will envision and inspire me, watch videos of excellent sermons and, above all, I want to pray and seek to enjoy the prescence of God. The problem is that all of these thing require more energy and commitment than I have available for the most part.
I have decided to try and take a slowly slowly catchee monkey approach. Although my energy levels may still cause me to waste an unfortunate amount of time, I’m going to try and make sure that I read a page or two of a good book most days. I’m going to commit to talking/playing with my children – even briefly, every day. I’m also going to try and seek the Lord as much as I am able – especially on my days off.
The sivler lining to our situation is that it often drives Kirstine & I together to simply chat and share the burden together. I am appreciating my wonderful wife more than ever these days.
I can’t pretend that I’m going to improve much in any of these areas but, perhaps, I’ll be able to use what little energy I do have in a constructive way before I lose it and crash out in front of the telly…
There are also good things that I do occasionally find that I have the time inclination for. Writing a short blog post for example. Being creative – writing music etc. – is a good use of time. These things relax me and, on my days off, provide something useful to do. I also refuse to accept that watching rugby is anything other than a glorious use of my time! 
I can’t contribute enourmous things to the the Kingdom of God but, perhaps, I can move forward, albeit slowly. In that way I will try to not waste my life.
You have my deepest sympathy. I saw this after my other post to you. Funnily enough; my own medical problems are an utter lack of energy. My limbs always feel a little heavier than they should, I often stop mid sentence because a word won’t come to mind, I can’t concentrate on anything for longer than an hour or so, and thats only if it’s a film or something. I spend pretty much every day sat in in the living room.
I agree completly; keeping yourself busy helps and reading some of the Good Book daily is always good.
Was a shock to read that you read/watch/know of John Piper. Discovered him myself over the last few weeks. I agree with a lot of what he says (though I do have a TV and do watch movies <.<').