Entertain Me: Now.

Don't faint! (you may be shocked as this is my second post in two days...). I've been mulling over a few things lately, and thought I would share. :)

How often do we use the word 'entertainment,' or 'entertain?' It would take several hands (and feet) to count the number of times each day I hear students discuss various forms of entertainment at school.  
What comes to your mind at the mention of 'entertainment?' 

A good book?

Romantic movie?

Comedy?

Shopping?

If I were to ask 10 people about their respective opinions on entertainment, I would most likely receive 10 different answers. What would yours be? Should entertainment literally 'entertain' in the sense of keeping your attention, or sitting on the edge of your seat for the next scene, help you un-wind after a stressful day at work, keep the kids occupied while you have some time with your friends/spouse/or get things done? 

The dictionary definition for 'entertainment' is: "the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment." That would have been my answer, too...that is, until several years ago. A more accurate (Biblical) definition for 'entertainment' is something like this: "that which refreshes, rejuvenates, and provides relaxation and inspiration." (You will most likely not find that in Webster's.) 

If we were to use the word 'entertainment' to describe only the activities that, after doing them, leave you completely refreshed (emotionally, physically, spiritually), reinvigorated, rejuvenated, relaxed, and inspired, would it leave out most of the things you consider entertaining? I realize, of course, riding a four-wheeler is not spiritually invigorating :) (along with other activities of the like), but do you see my point? I enjoy fun activities just as much as you do. Truly. And, I'm no Biblical scholar. However, I've been taking 'inventory' of my entertainment recently, and I've re-discovered a few things. 

1. I enjoy good movies. The Sound of Music. Mary Poppins. Horton Hears a Who. Ratatouille. Finding Nemo. Pride and Prejudice. Fireproof. Courageous. etc. I'm not immune to enjoying a good story. 

I love action, drama, comedy, romance, film music, and helping the good guys win! I find it very enjoyable.

But, how refreshed do you feel after watching a film with innumerable misuses of God's name, inappropriate scenes, innuendo, BUT "the story line is great!?" I used to 'not' notice a lot of those things, but I realized I would rather err on the side of caution and be considered an old 'fogie' than to

risk my relationship with Jesus for the sake of an hour and half film. 

Another thought: what you take in through your eyes and ears often will translate into words, actions, or attitudes. Wondering where your kids are picking up on 'that' kind of attitude, language, etc.? Check what kind of stuff pops up on your internet you-tube history, iTunes, or Netflix subscription. (Take it from this teacher: you'd be surprised how fast kids pick up on negative attitudes, language, ideas, etc. portrayed in music and movies!) 

When choosing a movie for your family, sometime try something enjoyable, clean, and funny, that won't require you to fast-forward most of it. :) You'll find yourself enjoying it more!

Helpful hint: use www.pluggedin.com to look up movies, music, etc. It's a terrific site by Focus on the Family, and gives great Christian reviews. I use it quite often! 

2. I LOVE music. Fast, slow, mellow, dramatic, old, new, relaxing, etc. There's nothing more relaxing for me than to listen to an Opera while cleaning or reading a good book. Ahh. I know, it's odd. But to me, it IS entertaining! I have over 5,000 songs in my iTunes library. That's a lot of music! However, because I love so many different music genres, I have to remember: "All things in moderation." (I'm not condoning listening to EVERY genre of music in moderation, no worries. :)) 

My point is this: I love the Carpenter's. Tony Bennett. Nat King Cole. Celtic Woman. Classical. Frank Sinatra. Opera. Big Band. Easy Listening. However, when I listen solely to these genres constantly, for ME, it becomes a problem. Not because anything is wrong with 'Mona Lisa' (Goodness, I hope not!), just that when my musical diet is composed of all things secular, it's not healthy for me. I've had to find a balance. Even simple things like listening to secular (non-Christian/Classical) music before church services or devotions is an issue for me. It may not be for you. When I listen to Christian music before church/school/devotions, I find myself much more tuned-in to God speaking to me, and it's much easier for me to concentrate on His voice. 

These are only two aspects of entertainment...I'm sure there are many more. There's nothing wrong with having fun, trust me- I have more that most people. :) I have a blast playing tennis on the Wii, laughing at Mr. Bean falling asleep in church, ice-skating, etc. But here's what it boils down to:

*is your 'entertainment' of choice leaving you exhausted or frustrated?

*do you come away feeling as if you're farther from Christ?

*does it make you question your relationship with Christ?

*do you notice negative changes in language, attitude, by you, or your family?

*do you find yourself saying, 'watching/listening to it doesn't mean I'll do it?' 

God loves you. And me. I believe God loves it when His people are happy, and feel

refreshed! I want my entertainment to please Him...not because of the fact 'if God were in this room,'

but because 'God IS in the room.' 

Pleasing Him: it's what life is all about.