Archive for Kids
Be Careful with the Wii
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to a recent study, more than an hour a day of video games (not limited only to the Wii) increases your risk of joint injuries. Of course, playing outside might increase the risk of other injuries. But it seems to me that outside play is well worth such risks!
One thing is for sure, I will not be pleased if my son or daughters know how to beat Super Mario and hit homers like crazy on the Wii, but cannot do shoot a basketball or hit a baseball consistently. I am very thankful my parents severely limited our video game exposure.
Funny story: At one point, our parents got us Nintendo Gameboy for Christmas. Big deal back in the day. Well, after my Dad saw us disappearing for hours in order to beat the Super Mario game (among other ones, but this was our favorite), he told us we would have to take an indefinite break. Well, indefinite turned into ‘for the rest of your life,’ because about six months later, we asked him where it was and he completely forget where he hid it! I can’t remember if it was ever located. I might email him now.
So Quiet So Quick
Posted by: | CommentsThis morning I woke up early to take my wife and children to the airport. They are on their way home as I type these words. Needless to say, I hate saying goodbye to them for any length of time. Even for a road-trip. But I am excited for their opportunity to go home and visit with family and friends. To sleep in their own home beds and play on their swing-set and get ready for Christmas and a host of other things. I know it will be a great trip.
In coming back to my apartment, however, one thing has struck me more than anything else, even more than how much I will miss them (Lord willing, I will see them in 10 or so days anyhow!). Namely, how quiet this apartment is and how little I like it!
To most folks that might not seem like a big deal, but to those who know me well, that might come as something of a surprise. For those who know me well know that I have always liked some serious quiet time to myself. Time to read and reflect and pray. And read some more. Or watch some TV. Or whatever. Erin and I often joke about the first years of our marriage when she would wonder whether or not I really liked to hang out with her! (Looking back, however, we spent all sorts of hours together, especially compared to now!)
Something has shifted. My preferences have changed. Over the past 5 years, I have learned not simply to live with the hustle and bustle that comes with being married with young children, but have really come to enjoy it and miss it when it is not here. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy my quiet time. I often (graciously) lock our littlest one out of my room for my morning Bible time and prayer! But I see now that I have come to better embrace the rhythm between the quiet moments and the active hours. Between the private and the public. And for that I give thanks.
Also, I also can’t help but give thanks for times like these because there are certainly times when I feel a bit worn out. Not sure if I have the energy to play another game of one-on-one or to do a little craft or administer discipline. Time away brings perspective and enables you to embrace those moments when they come again. Lord willing, very soon.
Christmas May Not Come?
Posted by: | CommentsAround Christmas time, there are all sorts of Christians out there saying, “Don’t forget the reason for the season.” Probably so many of us are mentioning something along those lines that everyone gets a bit tired of it. Some may say in response, “Come on, really, we know what Christmas is all about. And can you please do without the cheesy rhyme?” Then they tread off to Church for the Christmas Eve service in order to remember the real reason for the season (A side note: when we were growing up, my brother and I used to call those who came to church only for Christmas Eve and Easter (the busiest church days no doubt), “Chrevesters”–no offense intended if you are one of them, but it is a funny memory for me).
And yet, I’m inclined to believe that very few families in America today really center their Christmas season on the birth of Jesus Christ (Christians included). For as I have been finding it, it is rather difficult to do. At the very least, it is something that takes effort. Take, for example, the last two Christmas specials I have watched with my kids. First, the classic, old-school ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.” Second, “Elmo’s Countdown to Christmas.”
I wouldn’t miss either one, but there was one, central common denominator to both shows that bothered me and, in my opinion, demanded explanation to my kids. The common denominator? That Christmas might not come unless….1) Rudolph saves the day with his red nose or 2) Mr. Ben Stiller Elf guy gets all the blocks for the countdown (it really was Ben Stiller and he was a funny elf in my opinion).
Most folks probably won’t think it is a very big deal, but there is a clear message being sent to everyone watching. And if you don’t think kids pick up on this message, you either don’t have them or don’t pay much attention to what they talk about most at Christmas. The clear message is that Christmas isn’t really about Jesus Christ, but (probably) about all the traditions we enjoy , especially the one about Santa bringing all sorts of gifts we get to open and enjoy.
They are only two examples, but as television serves as a reflection of where we are and where we will be, I think that if you watch your tv carefully, you will recognize that very few folks out there center their Christmas upon the birth of Jesus Christ. And if you think that only kids are affected, you are having difficulty seeing yourself. For though we adults might not get all warm and fuzzy over Santa, we do tend to celebrate Christmas for the Holiday’s sake, not Christ’s. Notice even the language we use, “Celebrating the Holiday.” How do you do that?
Some of you reading may not give a rip about what I just said, because you are content celebrating the holiday itself. That’s fine (in one sense). But for those of you who profess faith in Christ, I believe that what I just said is worth reflecting upon. Take a look at your traditions, your conversations, the general tenor and enthusiasm in your home. Then ask yourself: What are we really celebrating?
