For a moment, I had trouble believing what I was reading in our village newsletter:
‘Nothing on TV? Come along and join the Bingo crowd each Tuesday!’
Could whoever wrote this be implying that these two activities were the only options? Did that describe their own lives—just TV and Bingo? If that was the case, then I truly felt sorry for him or her.
I know some people may have health issues and can’t participate in other activities, so possibly TV and Bingo are their best—or only—options. But from my perspective at this stage of my life, surely there are other much more interesting and life-giving pastimes available to fill my hours each day? Even within our village here there is a plethora of clubs and groups on offer—aqua aerobics (and swimming), Bible study, cards (500, Canasta, Crazy Whist), chess, choir, crafts of varying sorts, golf croquet, exercise, games (Scrabble etc), hobby workshop (woodwork, metalwork etc), indoor bowls, lawn bowls, library, line dancing, mah-jong, sketching, various snooker groups, table tennis, tai chi, good movies in the movie theatre, a ‘Voice our Views’ group and a writing group. Phew!
Then, of course, there are many other options as well. The village bus goes regularly to different shopping centres nearby, plus there are other bus tours available for different outings further afield. Or we can hop in our cars and go to these places ourselves. We can visit relatives or friends. We can walk through the beautiful bushland nearby or merely through nearby streets. We can chat to people along the way—or to others in the village. There is even a coffee shop on the premises where we can help ourselves to free coffee, while catching up with others. So, barring health issues, why would one choose TV or Bingo instead?
Now I understand the positive aspects of TV as well as anyone. This past month, I have truly enjoyed flicking from the cricket to the tennis and watching both for far too long! Sometimes there actually are worthwhile things on TV. I also love writing, speaking at places, reading and doing word puzzles. But … Bingo? I remember how, when my lovely older friend Joy first moved into a nursing home in the mountains, she was regularly taken to the activities room for Bingo, which she hated with a passion. She and her daughters called it ‘The dreaded “B” word’. I well remember how delighted my friend was when I popped in to visit her once and thus rescued her from participating!
At least that Bingo invitation in our newsletter has caused me to think carefully about how I plan to spend my time this year. Yes, I need to look after myself and relax and have fun doing what I love to do. But while I’m still able, I also want to invest my time and energy in those worthwhile things God wants me to do and connect with the people God gives me to connect with. And I’m sure I will enjoy all that too. There is more to life when we are on the journey with God, don’t you think? So much more than only TV and Bingo!
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
Good morning, Jo-Anne 😀
My goodness TV and Bingo!?! I agree with you there has to be, and is much more to life than these two activities, at least for those who are blessed with reasonable health. Television often annoys me … the humming, buzzing, and noise in general, make reading my book difficult. But, that’s me, and I guess we are all different. When I’m trying to write I find the only sounds I enjoy are soft classical music, worship, and the whispers of nature.
I do like to watch a good movie on TV, but mostly when I’m too tired to do anything else. I confess to playing Bingo a few times when I was younger, but I wasn’t so good at it. One thing I would say in it’s favour, however, is that it sharpens the reflexes of one’s mind, when moving around may be difficult … personally, I rather do some crossword puzzles, and these can be done in a group setting.
I’m happy and grateful that although I’m starting to feel the effects of long-term chronic illness, God has still allowed me to partake in some fun activities. Yes, there’s always more, Jo-Anne 😊 We just need to keep our eyes, ears, and minds open.
I loved reading your blog post 😊 Wow, two days in a row! 😃
Blessings always,
Jo’Anne 😀 xo 🌺💞🌺
Wow, Jo’Anne–I can see that you choose to read blogs rather than watch TV and play Bingo!! Well done to you! But I do agree some TV is enjoyable and also that Bingo does help sharpen the mind and make people concentrate just that bit more. It was just the way it was put in the note I read from our Village that made me feel sad, as I’m sure there would be so many more interesting things people could do in at least SOME part of their week. So yes, let’s do those fun activities–and all God gives us to do–while we can!
Great post, Jo. It reminded my of the Specsavers ad on TV, where the short-sighted Zumba lady turns up to the Bingo room by mistake and has all the oldies up and moving while the boom box is blasting. Probably the best Bingo session they ever had. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KZeO5oc428)
Tim and I have recently solved our ‘nothing on TV’ dilemma by getting a smart TV so we can watch better quality shows when we want. It’s a great way to relax. But it’s also good to get up out of the chair and do something different too. My writing group played laser tag last night (as you do). I need to make sure I sprinkle more of those types of things in amongst the TV shows. Thanks for the reminder to evaluate how we’re spending our time.
So lovely to read your comments, Nola–and to watch the funny Specsavers video! I had seen it before somewhere along the line, but it was so apt in this case!
And yes, I think that’s a wonderful way to solve the ‘nothing on TV’ dilemma by getting a ‘smart TV’, something which we don’t have but perhaps should look into. Apart from some sport and the occasional show like Masterchef or The Voice, I find I’m just not all that interested in TV. Think I’d rather go and read a good book–or perhaps write my own?!
As for laser tag–hmm, maybe I could introduce that as a new idea in the retirement village where we live?? Or perhaps the Sydney Omega Writers’ Group could take the idea on board? The mind boggles!