It is a funny thing, but I have found that I really don't miss that flat screened dust catching beast in the living room. It helped to sell all but a few of my DVD's and I put the money in a vacation/emergency fund.
The odd thing about this is how other people have reacted. One friend, thinking I was doing it because I was 'hard up' because he knows I am trying to pay off some old loans, even offered to buy me a new television and told me I could pay him back 'when I got flush'. When I declined the offer but thanked him for the thought he commented that he hoped I wasn't going to become 'one of those people like our friend G who doesn't watch television' and I had to grin - because I'm already becoming like that.
Another friend told me that I'll want a television again someday; it's just a passing phase. That's when I sold my flat screen to her and she knew I was serious. 'Wow,' she said, 'I wish I had the conviction to give up television...'
God manages to fill that previously wasted time with all manner of things so I always have something I can do instead that brings me closer to others and to God. I am also getting to bed early and waking up earlier, making it to the gym, trying new activities... I am grateful and thankful for this opportunity to make some long awaited changes in my life.
Thank-you God for giving me the strength and the words to tell well-meaning friends what to say...
Blessings to all, Rev. K
