It's almost ridiculous... almost. I love all types of TV: reality shows, 80s sitcoms, cartoons, network stuff, the news, music videos, anything really. The DVR has saved my life and helped me manage my TV watching. I'm almost embarrassed to admit I currently have 49 different shows set up to record at any given time, some just new shows, some everyday, some with the word "basement" in it, almost any combination.
Now, in today's society a lot of people would probably look now on so much TV watching but I believe I've learned a lot in the hours spent in front of the boob tube. I've learned what it's like to live with 7 strangers, picked to live in a house, I've learned that when you are overwhelmed you should just tell Zach instead of taking caffeine pills, I've learned I would never go on any sort of Court TV, I've learned that almost any problem can be solved in 30 minutes, 60 if it's really complicated.
So, TV has taught me a lot, but the biggest thing that TV has taught over the years is the importance of communication. If you look back over almost any TV problem, it almost always starts with a breakdown in communication. Either someone doesn't say how they feel, or they forget to say something, or they assumed something instead of asking the question. It's the same storyline over and over again, a lack of communication leads to major problems.
While a lot of people may disagree with me that TV imitates live, in the pattern of broken communication, it truly does. So many problems in the world today started with a breakdown in communication. Now, you really wouldn't think it would be that hard to communicate. We have more ways of getting in touch with each other today than in any other point in history, but somehow there seems to be a disconnect. We seem to be having a hard time getting our point across or we assume that because we are thinking it, everyone must be thinking the same thing. Somehow in the advancement of technology, in the fast speed pace of live, we have forgotten how to talk to each other (and listen I might add.)
While I have seen how a breakdown in communication has the potential to destroy first-hand, I've also seen how communication done well and often can help a relationship grow. From what I have witnessed, it starts by slowing down. Whatever happened to sitting on the porch with friends or neighbors and just talking about what's going on in life or in the world? Did we get too busy. My Grandma has taught this to me more than anyone in my life. While there is always somewhere to be or something to do is it really more important than spending time with someone you care about, getting to know them a little bit more.
I've noticed over the last few years that good communication is the key is any relationship. At work, with a spouse, with children, friends, parents, the bank teller, everyone. You need to be able to tell people what you need, how you feel, what you're thinking. What is my source for all of this? Well, if you try and base your relationships off of the type of relationship you should have with God, communication is the key. God says to communicate all the time, pray without ceasing. Tell Him how you feel, what you think, what you need, thanking Him what you have and then the other side of communication... shut up and listen. Why would our other relationships be any different?
While every relationship in my life is a little different, one things I'm working on is communication because when you communicate well and lay it all out there, life is less stressful. There is no more guessing about where everyone stands or what they are thinking. Good communication is the base for growing any relationship and fixing any problem, if you can figure that part out it only gets easier. The great part is that it is something we can all work on together and always strive to improve...
Pshht... and they say you can't learn anything from TV.
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