One of the down sides of woodworking is the often noisy environment in which it occurs. It is inevitable that all that noise, especially without hearing protection, will result in an accelerated loss of hearing. Those of you who know me are no doubt aware of the hearing loss with which I operate. When I consider the difficulties others endure, mine is a rather minor handicap. Never the less, in my belief that all things happen for a reason, I've come to acknowledge that not hearing as well as I once did must have some part in a greater plan than mine.
One of the things that has changed, due in no small part because of hearing loss, is the amount of time I spend in front of the TV. I fear one vice has simply substituted for another in that my laptop (can you say facebook?) takes up an inordinate amount of my time these days. All in all, I believe it has been a great trade off. Even though closed caption might provide some compensation for not being able to hear what someone might be saying, I have come to believe that, for the most part, what they are saying doesn't amount to much and I began appreciate words from people I really know and care about.
Getting out from in front of the tube (guess there really aren't any tubes in there any more) is something I can, at this point, truly recommend. I can read three news stories in the time it takes a talking head to tell me one, with the advantage of deciding for myself whether the story is truly newsworthy. And although, it's no substitute for a genuine face to face visit, posts from friends on facebook have taken the place of the impersonal clap trap some stranger on TV has to offer.
Don't misunderstand. I am as discouraged as the next one about the crazy state of affairs in this world. But the guarantee that Jesus gave that, "In this world you will have trouble" accounts for all that craziness. Time away from the TV has given me contemplation opportunities and the will to face tomorrow because again in His words, "but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world."
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings and make a comment or reaction. That beats anything that might happen on TV.
Even as a long time News broadcaster I can't totally disagree with you on this one Steve. That said there is a serious danger in ignoring the news of the day. Walter Cronkite once described the job of a reporter as one watching the linen coming off the production line. If we saw something unusual, a black spot for instance, we were to report it so you, the consumer, so you knew it was there. Then there was the editorialist who might suggest ways in which the spot might be removed. Too be sure there are too many "black spots" today. But who among us does not want to know why that dark cloud of smoke is coming from the woods a few miles from our house or when the tornado has been seen near our town and is coming our way? Social media can provide information but one must consider the source and that source's resources! I might suggest, as in everything else, measure your viewing or listening time, but don't close your eyes or ears. Some of the darkest news has produced very positive changes. Witness the victims of sexual assault who learned about one incident involving a prominent man who are now coming forward to tell their stories which may help prevent similar incidents from taking place. I for one, admit I'm happy to be off the "murder beat" these days,
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