Heads in the Sand?

My wonderful wife got me something for Christmas, that I've been wanting and dreaming about for over 2 years. Some of you may not think it's very romantic to send a web-link to your significant other when asked what you want for Christmas, but I'm a practical guy. So that's what I did.

And this is what she bought me.

Yes, the TV is new (and 40" of pure awesomeness) but I'm talking about the headphones. Astro A30 wireless headphones to be exact. They are sweet music to my ears, literally. And to Andi's as well. You see, as good as the headphones are at reproducing music, movies and video game soundtracks at ear splitting (and probably damage causing) levels, it what they don't do that's just as important. The don't let anyone other than me experience the joy!

Last night is a prime example, after playing some Rock Band with the boys, I plugged in the headphones and proceeded to rock out by myself. 4 minutes into Avenged Sevenfold's Afterlife, Andi comes into the living room and gives me "the look". You see, the headphones are good at their job, maybe too good. As good as they music sounded, they kept me from hearing her calling me in to help get the kids in bed.

And that got me to thinking, is technology a good thing or  a bad thing. Sure there are benefits, but how often are we disconnecting ourselves from the rest of the world because of it?

Having and iPad or DROID with lot's of information, dozens of versions of the Bible, and volumes of reference material at your fingertips is great. Getting lost watching You Tube for hours on end while neglecting other duties isn't.

So, what are your thoughts? Technology good or bad?

Cheering for the Home Team

Last week we had the chance to go watch the Cougars play basketball at WNCC. We got some free tickets from Connor's basketball coach, and I thought it would be a fun family outing. We arrived at the arena just as the womens team was finishing up their game against Mc Cook, winning by 60 points or something ridiculous like that. I was immediately disheartened, thinking that the mens game we came to watch was going to be just as boring. 

I couldn't have been more wrong. It was a close game for the first 30 minutes or so, but the last few minutes of the game were pretty exciting as our team kicked it into high gear and started building a good lead. The other team was getting frustrated and making mistakes. One of those mistakes led to a stolen ball and a fast break. The point guard stole the ball, looked up court and passed to a wide open team mate who broke for the basket and did a huge windmill dunk. The crowd went wild and the whole building was on its feet cheering. Myself included.  

Looking back on that night, I can't help but draw some conclusions. I'll skip the usual "Preacher complaints" wondering why people don't get as excited for Church as they do for their favorite team, or why people devote more time and energy to sports than to Kingdom work. 

I'm as guilty as anyone in that regard.

Instead, my mind goes to a passage from Hebrews, chapter 12 verse 1 to be exact.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

If you look back at chapter 11 you'll see a list of great people from Scripture being praised for their faithfulness. This group of people is the "cloud of witnesses" we're told is now watching over us, encouraging us to focus on the race ahead and not give up. Just as fans cheer on their teams, and marvel at a great dunk, catch, throw or whatever - we have a fan section cheering us on every day. No, daily life isn't as glamorous as the Super Bowl, but the rewards for being faithful until the end are far greater than winning the Super Bowl and World Series combined.

 photo Copyright 2010, Kevin J Hunt