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 [...]]]> 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.