Rev. Klockers: Ask for help when there is a harmful addiction

Deuteronomy 31:8 says “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.)

In the morning, in our household, there is an emphasis on “quiet time.” What is the reason behind this?

Our son, Benjamin, has Down syndrome. He also has the habit of talking to himself out loud while he plays. This isn’t such a bad thing. However, when he does this all day long, it does drive us up the wall. So, a few years ago, we implemented the “quiet morning rule.” We generally have this in place from when we wake until about noon.

Anyone who wants to watch or listen to something is plugged into an iPad or laptop computer and has headphones.

There are a couple of exceptions to this rule. For one, if there is something happening in the world that we feel is important enough we do tune in to a news channel.

What is the second exception? There are cats in our household, and we have found a simple way to entertain them. We do so by making use of the smart feature on our television.

We find the YouTube channel and select one of the “cat TV” options. Most are video recordings of birds, squirrels, or fish. We then turn down the sound for a background of hushed chirps or bubbles.

There is one option that does not feature animals. We call it “the string show.” It stars an animated piece of red yarn that quickly crosses the screen vertically and horizontally. It is hard to predict where the string will go and how fast it will move.

Toeny is our 12-pound, black polydactyl cat, and he has found the string show to be highly addicting. The others could care less. They love the birds and squirrels.

At first, it was entertaining to watch Toeny go after the string. However, in time, we became increasingly alarmed. Our cat was soon launching himself at the screen repeatedly and would often end up hanging by his two front paws at the top as he tried to capture the elusive object.

What was once entertaining had become a clear danger. The string show has now been canceled for Toeny.

Is there something in your life that you have pursued that was once “entertaining” and has now become a liability? If so, why not pray about this? Share your struggles with God, and when you feel the time is right, reach out.

Who knows? Maybe the channel can be changed. It might take asking for help to begin to figure things out, like a complex television remote. It might be impossible otherwise – like trying to catch an ever-elusive string.

There is nothing wrong with seeking help.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.