So, I was sitting in my bed thinking about this tonight. Why do we as a whole miss out on the simple things now adays? In today’s society, we waste SO much time in doing pointless tasks. For instance, goofing off on the computer is an example. Yes, I, computer-aholoic have no right to say anything against this due to the fact that I am ALWAYS on the computer, or some electronic device. But seriously, what has happened to us? When I was young, and even today, some of the best memories I have is doing entertaining things that is not just worthlessly sitting in one spot.
Back in my old homeschool group, I LOVED playing baseball with everyone. As it’s a very simple game in only requiring a few objects, it was the time of our lives trying to even hit the ball (I was quite young). These objects provided countless of hours of enjoyment to me, and my friends. Another thing my family used to do was to read a chapter from a book every night. Now, this was entertaining because you ALWAYS wanted to read the next chapter. This was before TV and computers “stole” the imagination. A good night was when we were able to convince our mom to go ahead and read the next chapter of the book. But as I have grown older, these things started to fade as the way of entertainment. The simple had to be more, and more complex. Instead of playing at the parks, it was video games with friends. Then it was movies. Now it’s computers, and any other virtual entertainment. I have gotten to points that me and my friends literally sit around, without TV or computer access wondering “what are we going to do.” Parties we have now-adays rely on what movies are out. The simple has been messed up in our minds.
A few weeks ago, we had a play. During this time it was basically: wake up, get around, go to play, practice, go to bed, wake up, have play #1, hang out, go home and to bed, wake up, have play #2 hang out. Now, this is a simple design for a weekend, BUT it was one of the most fun weekends I have had in a long time. At the playhouse, we did not have wifi, so our computers and touches were basically worthless. Also, after the first play, a group of us went to the park and just goofed off. We didn’t do anything big, but we jumped over fences, chased each other around, and after I left, they had fun whistling with grass. Some of the most basic things that we had at our disposal were some of the most fun.
A good example of what we have become compared to what we were comparing a PB and J to a Arby’s Roastburger. A PB and J is a very simple sandwich comprised of only three ingredients: bread, peanut butter, and bread. Now, of course I work at Arbys, so I had to use something from them as an example, but the roastburger is basically “how can we add more?” It’s a good sandwich BUT it also is made out of a lot of ingredients and sauces. While technology is very fun and entertaining, it is made up of a lot of “build-up” that takes a lot of time out of our lives. Instead of the fun of the very simple stuff, we have replaced it with dark rooms with computers.
Now like I said, I, out of anyone, haven’t really the right to say all of this because I AM such a technology geek. I love everything about it. But in loving it, I do miss the simple stuff. So, this is what I challenge you. Try to be simpler. Instead of hanging around wondering what website to go to next, try getting outdoors. Take a walk, jog, ride a bike, call some friends and play some games, whatever. God made this amazing world for our use. Don’t waste it by just sitting around. I am going to college in the fall, and I look back and realize how much time I have wasted of my life playing computer games and such. That time I could have been doing productive things, playing with friends, not being a “hobo” in a sense.
What I challenge for me and you is this. Next time you are wondering what’s on TV to watch with you and the family, try offering to play a game. If you are a mom that has kids, try pricking their imaginations by starting to read a book to them, even if it’s a chapter a night. A chapter really is not all that long. Next time you are with friends wondering what to do, try offering to get a ball, go play some volleyball, board games, or just getting outside. If you are by yourself, pick up a book, try doing a craft, do something to arouse the imagination. And remember, if you are playing a game, winning, or losing doesn’t matter. What mainly matters is the enjoyment of playing with family or friends. On my senior camping trip, we had a “Great Race” and in it, we all tried our best to beat the other teams. The thing though is, it didn’t matter who won or lost. There was no prize at the end, but just the enjoyment of completing a challenge together. It was a really fun race that didn’t require any technology, and I greatly enjoyed it.
One final thought. Those quick “I need to quickly check something” adds up VERY quickly. It’s estimated that people are on some-sort of electronic for 8 hours of every-day. Think about all that time! God put you on the earth to not waste the time given. So, enjoy it to the best of your ability. So go ahead and smell the flowers! I know I am going to try to more often.
