We finally cut the cable…on purpose this time! If you are like me, you’ve been digging in the yard and had one of those, “uh, oh” moments when you realized that you just “cut the cord.” Usually someone comes out yelling, “what did you do?” But not this time. This time, we made the decision, on purpose, to cut the cord!
We’ve been talking about it for far too long. In fact, we should have done it last year when they started monkeying with the prices. But we did that, “I’m gonna cancel” threat, and they did that, “we’ll give you a 6 month promotion” thing…and I caved.
But not this year! In 2015, I want to be a better steward of my time and my finances. So yesterday, I gathered up the equipment, brought it down to the cable company, and handed it over. With all the recent fees and rate hikes, it was $100/month back in our budget, so we are pretty happy about that.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying that all TV is bad. There are programs I like, programs the wife likes, and stuff the kids watch for enjoyment and for homeschooling. And with the Internet, we can still access what we really need. But what we (hopefully) nixed was the Pavlovian response – sit on couch, turn TV on, waste time looking for something of value.
If I am going to be an example to my kids, I can’t imagine a more immediate impact on our life and our budget than to significantly reduce our time in front of screens.
Making plans is a good thing. Of course, we should always make our plans with an attitude of, “If God wills it” (James 4:15). But more believers should recognize that God never did anything without a plan. Thankfully, he has revealed those plans to us through His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7). And planning to follow His plan more in 2015 should be our priority.
But sticking to the plan is the tough part. And that is why the crown of life is given to those who read, hear, heed, and remain faithful to the plan (Revelation 1:2, 2:10).
What about you? Do you have a plan for 2015? Or do you simply “hope for the best?” I encourage you to make your calling and election sure in 2015 (2 Peter 1:10). Put Christ and His Kingdom first in your life (Matthew 6:33); reduce the “static” that distracts you from the weightier matters (Matthew 23:23); and live the abundant life in Christ (John 10:10).
