Oh What to Watch?

Although recent television broadcast have been less than thought provoking and offer little or no stimulation  for the brain, I do enjoy creative writing and frantically surf through the multitude of channels searching for "the Holy Grail" of entertainment.  TV shows that fall into the category of reality shows, fill the void and round out the evening programs but offer little in the way of brain stimulation.    A number of seasons back, the birth of reality TV offered a different type of mind stimulation. Some adventurous, others a glimpse into the privacy of growing families, but mostly everyday life.

Through channel surfing and at times out of sheer boredom, we watch families grow to outrageous proportions, marriages crumble, nannies tame spoiled brats,  couples switch families, outrageously rich become famous for their outrageously rich lifestyles, offspring of the rich folk achieve stardom by  becoming tabloid fodder, then sought after by paparazzi  and mimicked by impressionable young minds, believing this to be normal, but why? Simply because they have the means (money) to make this all happen!

Of course, the Bachelor or Bachelorette are just everyday people trying to fall in love, isn't this the way everyone finds their true soul mate?  Right, and Survivor has survived way too long, the Donald needs a new hairstyle, Honey Boo Boo is in the same category as Toddlers and Tiaras (strange, rude and nasty families) and hopefully alien life in search of a planet to inhabit will realize, "whoa this ain't the place!"

Strangely enough and also thankfully, there are bright spots.  Half hour comedy spots for the most part a superbly written.  We can enjoy their antics, relax and realize, they are very much like our neighborhoods.  Same thoughts, quirky personalities, crazy emotions and list goes on.  Kudos to the creators and writers whose thought processes and creative instincts keep the shows rolling but do not drag.  A personal favorite, Big Bang Theory.  It's perception of nerdy characters is well written, diverse and hilariously funny. Ironically, I must admit, within my own circle of acquaintances, lives the cast of this show.

All This From the Super Bowl?

Super Bowl Sunday, in all its glory has once again been laid to rest.  Hype leading up to this year's  big game, pretty much status quo with one exception.  A recent news broadcast,  from one of the big three networks, asked a very simple question: DOES GOD DECIDE WHO THE SUPER BOWL WINNER IS?  If you want an answer filled with innocent thought, not yet tainted by worldly views, perhaps the mind of a child is best suited to answer.  This is exactly what ABC Nightly News did.  

Answers were poignant yet innocent and should one read anything into this, somewhat inquisitive ............." We'll, it's an important game isn't it?" Others preferred the direct approach, signaling either shyness or silliness on the part of the adult asking the question.........."Nope!" From the mind of a gently spirited young girl we learned, "God takes care of all the animals and fish." Perhaps the most vocal, a young boy, "yes he does, important things like that are always decided by God."

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Sunday morning conversation in the adult world, "go 49 ers!"  Not wanting to interrupt this group in deep conversation, almost to the point of coming to blows over "the Game," I waited.  As one drew a long breath, readying for the final argument as to why his team would be the victor, I interjected, "DOES GOD DECIDE WHO THE SUPER BOWL WINNER IS?"

Facial expressions, body language and to some point verbalization, suggested an
uneasiness had consumed the group.  What I found most interesting, no one stepped
forward to answer the question. Repeating the question gave new meaning to the
phrase, "dazed and confused."  Deciding to ease the confusion that seemed to consume the group, I explained the reason for this question, none had watched the news
broadcast. Throughout the day I watched and listened, a seed had been planted.  I simply wondered, would it grow or wither and die.

Certain topics of conversation are more approachable that others, many shy away from those they feel create controversy.  I wanted an answer but the topic of what was perceived to be religion created a mine field many were not willing to cross.  Interjecting an additional topic, directly related to both God and football, opened a clear path across the mine field.  "Would I be able to get an answer from Tim Tebow?" was the question now on the table.  With this additional seed sown, it was clear, withering and dying we're no longer an option.  

The power of prayer or meditation can be defined as a wish or request for something.  In my world it gives me strength, a time to reflect on inner feelings, sort out emotions, seek answers  and rationalize what I may have known all along.  As a friend once stated, my religious views are evolving.  As a child my parents planted the seed, many additional seeds followed.  None have withered and died, my life is filled with the love of my family, friends and yes, my Maker. My faith and prayer provide me with all things...........the desire for all things comes from with in.   There will always be unanswered questions, perhaps if we give great thought, ask them differently, the answers we so desperately seek, will appear.