Editorial Updated 17 Dec  2006,  Other Escapism Activities

    I mentioned last time that I like to do crossword puzzles and Word Jumbles as a diversionary “escapism” from the daily pressures of life. Marilyn cuts out the LA Times crossword puzzle and the Jumble each day and we save them. I usually do about 4 a week.

    Well other “escapism” things I do include:

    1. Reading novels (now reading The Deerslayer—because I have never read a James Fenimore Cooper work; reading Robin Cook’s series of medical thrillers—cause I don’t know much about the medical world. His novel, Marker, exposed me to genome theory and its implications on the health industry. I also watch occasionally some sit coms on TV—just  veg out.    

2.  I watch DVDs. I have a collection of war time DVDS. Having trained as a marine and having studied in depth WWII, I enjoy collecting DVDs about favorite WWII episodes and even other wars.     

3. I have read a lot about WWII (including all of Winston Chuchills major works on this). I also play board games about WWII—Victory in the Pacific and War At Sea being my favorites.     

4. And Marilyn and I like a “pop corn” date movie every now and then.

5. Marilyn and I go out for an “eating date” at our favorite cafes/restaurants—usually once or twice a month.    

6. Marilyn and I watch an occasional pro-football game or a pro-basketball game on TV.    

7. We do something with the grandkids.    

    Now escapism is an important feature to break up “workaholic tendencies.”In my classes at Fuller I often ask this question on my PowerPoint slide which each student responds to (while we are meeting the class):

    What hobbies do you have?
        OR
    What current book other than study books for Fuller are you reading?

    Surprisingly, few seminary students have any hobbies—i.e. escapism activities. Many of them are doing two full time jobs (working in a church full time and taking full time loads at Fuller). Just “aching” for a “breaking.”

    With no escapism activities, you are usually setting yourself up for a burnout time. All leaders plateau several times in their ministry. Some of that is natural and some is not. But all leaders should have some escapism times—will be an antidote for Plateauing and a Preventive for “burnout.”    Do you have any escapism things, that help balance your overemphasis in only ministry things?
Blessings,
Bobby Clinton