What You Won’t Find In Your Netflix Queue

Don’t get me wrong. By that headline, you may think I’m about to go on some kind of rant against watching Netflix.

No way, I love Netflix!

My wife and I enjoy watching shows together after I come home from work. It’s something we do together. I think it’s good.

But yesterday was that rare occurance for February in northern Indiana: a warm and beautifully sunny day. We both decided that, instead of Netflix, we’d take a walk around our apartment complex.

It was fantastic.

We talked about our day, our hopes and desires and our vision for the future. We laughed. We held hands. We breathed in the fresh air. It was so beautiful.

It was authentic.

When we got back to the apartment, we both commented on how good it felt and how we need to do that more often.

Again, watching Netflix is not bad in and of itself. Sarah and I have bonded by watching shows together. But there are a lot of things that, while not inherantly bad or good, can become a disservice to you and your relationships if not kept in the right context.

I had a college professor who lauded the practice of fasting — not as some ritual, but as a change of pace. A way to make sure that nothing is taking up too big a place in our lives.

I’m not telling you or anyone to go cold turkey on Netflix. In fact, after we got back from our walk, Sarah and I fell asleep watching Netflix together.

No, I’m asking all of us to live with purpose. Ask deep questions and listen even deeper. Call that friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Better yet, write them a letter. Ask your loved ones about their goals and dreams.

Have a change of pace.

And, hey, if that means going for a walk instead of watching Netflix? So be it.