I haven’t blogged in a long time, because, frankly, I’ve had nothing of value to say. Presupposing I have something of value for someone, here I am.

My wife and I gave up visual entertainment for Lent–no movies, television, YouTube, Hulu, Netflix–all of it gone. There were a few pre-agreed exceptions, but, basically, nothing. For a movie and tv junkie such as myself, this has been eye-opening.

We’ve been reading more to fill the space, and I’m feeling like the left side of my brain is saying, “You know, I missed you so much. I’m so glad we’ve been able to take these long walks together.”

Now, of course, I’m reading some fiction to get my “entertainment fix”, but I’ve also been reading some of my old books from college, which caused me to ask…why didn’t I read these books in college? And why don’t I read books like these now? I really contemplated these questions…

One reason I failed to read as much as I believe I should’ve in my college years was because I was really busy working full-time for a notable ministry (in addition to full-time college).

But I found the core reason for not reading more intellectually stimulating books goes back to good ole’ Dad.

My father is by far the most intelligent and knowledgeable man I’ve ever known. He was always reading and acquiring new information to share–whether you cared to hear it or not. He is also the most lost person I’ve ever known. He’s so lost, none of my family knows where he is. Seriously.

Long story short, I realized I shunned the world of knowledge and information because I thought it was a waste. Knowledge was a cement block tied to my father’s foot, keeping him submerged in a sea of his own pride. Keeping him away from reality, away from the love of his family. I didn’t want to be like that. So I focused on the content of the heart–spiritual and emotional subject matter, found in the arts and entertainment.

Ironically, I see my father was not necessarily the most lost person I knew. Apparently, I’ve been drowning in my own sea, except my cement block was entertainment.

The bottom line to my rambling is that God has created everything to be enjoyed. Indeed, “To the pure, all things are pure.” But if any created thing captures your heart more than your God, you’re drowning too. For my father, it was the power of knowledge and information. For me, it’s the spiritual and emotional highs of entertainment.

I’m not saying I’ve cut the rope attaching my leg to my cement block. But I see it for what it is. And I want to be free to come up for air.

-Matt