Wednesday, January 21, 2009

"I'll Watch The Movie"

For today's post, I am going to share with you something that my son, Matthew, posted on his Facebook page last week. I pray that his words bless you as much as they blessed Shannon and me.

"I'll Watch The Movie"

I was just listening to a Switchfoot song, and I started to really try to understand the lyrics. Here's the important part:

Nothing but a chemical in my head
It's nothing but laziness
Cause I don't wanna read the book
I'll watch the movie
Cause it's not me
I'm just like everybody else my age

I think I'd rather play around
And I think I'd rather watch TV
Cause I don't wanna face my fears
I'll watch the movie
Cause it's not me
I'm just like everybody else
I'm just like everybody else


It's about the tendency of us as teenagers to blame our passiveness, our laziness, our inability to put effort into anything on the fact that we are teenagers, that we're human. We don't want to read the Bible everyday; we'd rather "watch the movie." We'd rather take the easy way out: show up at Church, hear (but not listen to) what the speaker says, give the most sincere sounding answers to direct questions, and move on with our lives Monday through Saturday.

I say this because it's exactly what I have found myself doing many a Sunday. I've also seen something else in me: discontentment. Lack of peace with my life that always accompanies just "watching the movie." Lack of faith in my ability to carry myself through the week. The feeling that no matter what I do, whether it be doing schoolwork, watching TV, listening to music, talking to friends, or just taking a nap, I cannot improve my mood. I cannot boost my confidence. I cannot do anything on my own (or even with the help of others) to make this life livable.

But when I do turn off the movie and pick up the Book, that contentment and peace that I've been missing, that faith in the fact I'm going to survive this week, that feeling that not I but He can do something to give me exactly what I need, returns. Tom just talked about this this Sunday, and he's right. He's dead on. Nothing in this life will ever do you good like finally getting into the Word: nothing. I know that sounds like such a "church" thing to say, but it's the truth. It's as true as it gets. I've never found anything to be so true in my life.

James 1:22
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.


Matthew also suggested that I share the song with you, so if you're interested, take a listen.
God Bless,
Amy:)



24 comments:

diane b said...

You have one smart boy there, a testimony to your good parenting.

Allison said...

What a blessing to have a son who is so concerned about his faith! :)

sa061545@bellsouth.net said...

There are not enough words in my vocabulary to express how proud I am of our precious grandson, Matthew Mahoney!!!!! These words are from a young adult FAR beyond his age! He is an inspiration to me and I was truly blown away when I read this for the first time on his Facebook page! God truly has his heart! I am so proud of you and Shannon for the values that you have instilled in both Matt and Daniel! They are both fine young men and will bless many others in their life to come!
I love you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!
Mom :)

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

WOW. Amy-you have a right to be so proud here!! Wisdom in the words of one so young. He didn't come to it on his own you know...all those years of loving and parenting him..."and they will rise up and call her blessed".

Soak in this moment and praise God!

In His Graces~Pamela

Sharon said...

Isn't that awesome, to know and see God working in your son's life like this. Praise God he deserves all the Glory!!
They also learn from us, they listen and they watch.
Thats why I think it's important that we teach them to have a relationship with God, and it's not all about religion.
Great Post
You are so Blessed!
Love,
Sharon

Mia said...

That is a young man who has a relationship with the Lord!! How wonderful. Many adults are not that spiritually in tune! No pun intended!
You have a good kid A-Honey!!!

Tracey said...

What a great kid you have!

valerie said...

Way to go Matthew! That's so true and it's great that Matthew realizes this truth at such young age. I know you and Shannon are proud.

I thought of this verse immediately and then had to go find out where it was located in the Bible. It's in 3John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk (live) in the truth."

That's certainly the way I feel about my own kids. That's the key to life....walking in His Truth...God's Word.

Thanks for sharing and tell Matthew I don't even know him, but I'm proud.

Love,
Valerie

valerie said...

P.S. How old is Matthew? (If you don't mind my asking?)

Nicole said...

Hi Amy!

I was so excited to read your son's letter. How cool is that??? So exciting. God is really working in his life. Very encouraging to those around him, including me. I am reminded once again how important it is to read the Word. Amen?!?

Love,
Nicole

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Wise beyond his years...a young man headed in the right direction with a gift for writing his thoughts. Keep tending to it, Matthew. Keep penning your thoughts under the light and truth of God's Word and don't be suprised when He uses them in a mighty way!

peace~elaine

Unknown said...

what an incredible post. thank you for blessing my day with it! your son is so very spiritually mature, and the world will benefit from his influence.

Gina said...

Wow! Such wisdom from such a young man. I'm impressed and delighted for you as a Mom. What a blessing. :)

God bless,
Gina

Paula V said...

Wow. Impressive. You must be very honored and proud to have such a mature young man...a young man who knows the Truth about life and what life really means. It seems he's examined himself and found such spiritual truth to how the Word and God is so intertwined into our lives, our joy, our peace, our quality of life!
Love,
Paula

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

What an incredible young man!! You must be so proud of him:)

Lisa

Pleasant Living said...

you pray for your son, don't you? those are the words from a child who is prayed for. kudos to you, amy, for your parenting and to matthew for his bold faith!

Smiling Shelly said...

WOW, Amy! This is good stuff!

Just when the seeds of doubt creep into your mind about your parenting skills, He leads them to do something so inspirational.

THIS is a true testament to you and Shannon. Both of your boys are fine young men!

Give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done!

Much Love! :)

Jamie said...

Wow! What an amazing young man! You should be very proud of him.

Cheffie-Mom said...

Wow Amy! What an awesome son you have and what a great job you have done! Blessings to you and your family.

Denise said...

Wow! What a great blessing! Isn't it so cool when you see that your kids "get it"?!

Love,
Denise

Denise said...

Wow! What a great blessing! Isn't it so cool when you see that your kids "get it"?!

Love,
Denise

Unknown said...

Amy: You wonderful mom you! He's learning and that's wonderful.

And yes the Word is so powerful.

Thank you for sharing this. I think I'll go read my bible :)

Hula Girl at Heart said...

What a wonderful and wise boy you have. Thanks for sharing and reminding us that there are still plenty of good kids in the world. You should be so proud.

Alex Horton said...

Your son is very wise.