Being the “overly sensitive” one can be tricky sometimes. I can’t tell you how many conversations about pop culture I’ve had to sit through with glazed eyes. But the same sensitivity that makes so many things too much, also allows me to do so many other things. TV isn’t always a great fit for the deep feelers, and maybe that’s really ok! It’s that whole thing Paul says, “all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable”
This is so true—and while we didn't do it perfectly, I'll say that now that we have all teens, we have reaped some of the benefits of being more vigilant than our counterparts... It's genuinely a joy to watch legit good things with our kids now, partly because we made an effort to not just protect them from bad stuff, but also cultivate good taste in them. I don't mean that in a hoity-toity way, more in a what-actually-is-good-art? way. I'm grateful we went through the (sometimes annoying) effort.
Really good stuff here, Rachel, and not to overlook the deep bits…. but we also watched The Office straight through in our first year of marriage. Is this a rite of passage for holy matrimony? I think yes. :)
This is beautiful, and wise. "There is enough temptation in this life without inviting into our homes and giving it hours of our time." So true. It is worth noticing that what goes into our hearts is what will flow out, whether or not we make an effort. This gives so much more weight to what we choose to entertain ourselves with.
I so appreciate this. My teenage sons have been asking to watch something that my husband and I decided we weren’t going to finish, even though it is rated TV-14. I want to help them decide for themselves what their filter is going to be, so I tried to articulate to them what you have written here, and gave them the choice. They both first chose a fantastic movie to watch instead. But then the next day they chose to finish the TV series. I’m sad about it and second guessing the choice to give them more TV freedom. But also…your words give me another idea of how we can have a follow up conversation about what they chose to watch.
I love this. My parents were very vigilant in what they allowed me to watch and read, but never gave me good reasons why, which was really difficult. It was not until a few years ago, in my 30s, that I realized how books and movies affected me. It’s annoying to stop reading a book and it’s embarrassing sometimes to say I can’t watch a certain movie, but I know (from experience) how much better off I am in the end. Appreciate the reminder to give my (future) children the why’s.
My husband and I watched the Office and Parks and Rec during Covid and laughter was exactly what we needed after days full of uncertainty. Beautiful letter. Thanks for sharing!
Being the “overly sensitive” one can be tricky sometimes. I can’t tell you how many conversations about pop culture I’ve had to sit through with glazed eyes. But the same sensitivity that makes so many things too much, also allows me to do so many other things. TV isn’t always a great fit for the deep feelers, and maybe that’s really ok! It’s that whole thing Paul says, “all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable”
Yes and amen!
This is so true—and while we didn't do it perfectly, I'll say that now that we have all teens, we have reaped some of the benefits of being more vigilant than our counterparts... It's genuinely a joy to watch legit good things with our kids now, partly because we made an effort to not just protect them from bad stuff, but also cultivate good taste in them. I don't mean that in a hoity-toity way, more in a what-actually-is-good-art? way. I'm grateful we went through the (sometimes annoying) effort.
This is the encouragement I needed! Hilde is only two but I know it will make a difference long-term.
As always, I read these letters to Hilde and think, what a good mom you are. What a gift!
Really good stuff here, Rachel, and not to overlook the deep bits…. but we also watched The Office straight through in our first year of marriage. Is this a rite of passage for holy matrimony? I think yes. :)
My newlywed daughter and son-in-law are also watching through The Office (and Parks and Rec) in their first year of marriage. It must be a thing.
This is beautiful, and wise. "There is enough temptation in this life without inviting into our homes and giving it hours of our time." So true. It is worth noticing that what goes into our hearts is what will flow out, whether or not we make an effort. This gives so much more weight to what we choose to entertain ourselves with.
Yes!!
I so appreciate this. My teenage sons have been asking to watch something that my husband and I decided we weren’t going to finish, even though it is rated TV-14. I want to help them decide for themselves what their filter is going to be, so I tried to articulate to them what you have written here, and gave them the choice. They both first chose a fantastic movie to watch instead. But then the next day they chose to finish the TV series. I’m sad about it and second guessing the choice to give them more TV freedom. But also…your words give me another idea of how we can have a follow up conversation about what they chose to watch.
I love this. My parents were very vigilant in what they allowed me to watch and read, but never gave me good reasons why, which was really difficult. It was not until a few years ago, in my 30s, that I realized how books and movies affected me. It’s annoying to stop reading a book and it’s embarrassing sometimes to say I can’t watch a certain movie, but I know (from experience) how much better off I am in the end. Appreciate the reminder to give my (future) children the why’s.
My husband and I watched the Office and Parks and Rec during Covid and laughter was exactly what we needed after days full of uncertainty. Beautiful letter. Thanks for sharing!
This is so good, Rachel. I love well curated television. And Proverbs 4:23 is my go-to verse for life-curation (not just for TV).