IT'S GOOD FOR YOU
A series of studies at Waseda University in Japan suggests “watching sports can contribute to well-being.” Viewing athletic events appear to trigger feel-good emotions such as happiness. Those who regularly view sports showed higher gray matter volume in areas of the brain associated with reward and pleasure. Keeping up with sports can do more than temporarily spiking happy moods, but can actually have positive long-term effects on brain structure.
The article concludes with this observation: “If watching sports makes you feel overly anxious, angry, or puts you in a worse mood, it’s safe to say it’s probably not the most health-supporting activity.” (Since my teams generally end up losing, I just might want to take that warning to heart!)
(https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/watching-sports-may-be-good-for-your-brain-new-study-suggests)
Sports fans have been awaiting this revelation for years. Something you love is actually good for you! How cool is that? It’s like suddenly discovering there are untold health benefits to pecan pie, while learning that eating asparagus will kill you.
But life doesn’t generally work that way. Lots of things are good for us that we don’t like—such as practicing self-control and disciplining our flesh. My grandmother used to say tongue-in-cheek, “Everything fun in life is either illegal, immoral or fattening.” That’s quite an exaggeration, but there’s an element of truth in it.
The book of Proverbs is chock-full of examples supporting this thesis. “The LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (3:12). We don’t see that verse on very many refrigerator magnets do we? Here’s another one: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (10:19). Who enjoys doing that? Given the choice, I’d rather keep yapping. Then there’s this classic: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink” (25:21). No thanks—in my flesh, I’d prefer to get even. But, of course, that’s not God’s way.
I’m sure we get the point. Often, the not-so-fun things in life furnish the most character growth. God always wants what’s best for us. Sometimes that means making us uncomfortable.
If you’re a sports fan, revel in this newly discovered data. (Although I suspect there are also studies revealing contrary findings.) But don’t get too comfortable. Embrace the difficult, choose the challenging., face the formidable. Then … watch a game on ESPN.
Principle: The difficult things in life offer us the most personal growth.
Ponder:
What difficult situation(s) are you currently facing?
How might your difficulties offer you opportunities for growth?
Pursue: For a deeper dive study Proverbs chapter 3.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the difficult things in life. As much as I don’t like them, I embrace them for your glory.