Found on the Laptop



I saw this comic in today's paper...I like this strip because the artist obviously has first-hand insights into relationships with teenagers. In this case, it is amusing because Jeremy doesn't see the irony of his situation: His mom presumably enjoys serving him while he's working on his van for a cross-country trip after he graduates...yet his life is a "hellhole."

And, like many suburban teenagers, they really feel this way. That despite all creature comforts, there's a disconnect between happiness and material stuff.

But why might they genuinely feel this way?

Well, I was told at work we needed some space on our server and if we could help out by clearing out our archives it would be appreciated. And I came across an old writing I did in April of 2002 for my own amusement that asked similar questions...

I'm putting it here for personal archiving, but feel free to comment on any and all of the questions...if you'll keep in mind that my own mind has changed on many of these observations in the last 4 years, too:

I don’t mean to go off on a rant, but…

Could someone please tell me why any parent for any reason would give a teenager a cell phone with more than 20 minutes per month paid for?

Remind me again why a teenager needs a computer or a television in his or her own room.

Can someone please explain to me why there’s something called The One-Minute Study Bible?

Why would any major league baseball player, other than the catcher, wear their hat backwards? Why would anyone imitate this behavior?

Is it possible that the homogeneous suburban subculture in America actually hinders creativity in our young people?

Does anyone else wonder why sports don’t have “seasons” anymore? Since when did any sport become a year-round pursuit in middle school?

Why is there a day-planner system available at Toys R Us for children?

What would be wrong with a youth group going to art museums, jazz festivals, art shows, professional theaters or lectures instead of playing video games or laser tag or bowling or what not?

How much money is thrown away each year on Christian T-shirts that only preach to the choir or alienate the unbelievers?

Can someone please explain how an obscure prayer in the Old Testament has become the basis for some people’s spiritual life?

Since when did people begin judging the effectiveness of a worship service by how “good they feel” when they come out?

On the MTV show “Cribs,” how come we never see the libraries of the rich and famous? There really are only so many fancy cars and home theatres and swimming pools out there.

Why are some Christians more upset about earrings and tattoos than about the stress caused by unrealistic parental expectations?

While I’m at it, why are some Christians more upset about the potential loss of future income than by the societal devaluation of creativity and imagination?

Can someone please explain to me the popularity of Oprah? Or, for that matter, her cohort Dr. Phil?

Since when did “first-class” and “American” and “winner” have anything to do with Jesus Christ?

When will parents realize that there are only so many scholarships out there and not every child can get one?

Does anyone else think that Christians having religious emblems on their car is horribly ineffective at spreading the Gospel message, especially watching the way we drive?

Can someone tell me why any extracurricular activity would take precedence over any opportunity for spiritual growth?

Since when did serving in the military become a “fall back” position for teens? When did defending our freedom lose its’ nobility?

When did the Christian community begin rewarding safety and convention instead of admiring those that legitimately push the envelope?

Why do so many in youth ministry view their job as a stepping-stone to “something better?”

Why is “bigger” usually perceived as “better” when it comes to ministries?

Shouldn’t it haunt us that the words of Christ tell us that what we spend our money on is an indication of what is going on in our hearts and minds?

Why should youth ministers and parents get all the joy out of watching teenagers excel in the areas of drama, art, athletics, band or any other activity? Why don’t more people of the general community take a night out and enjoy the attempt for excellence by our teenagers?

What kind of sick mind would target advertising for nicotine products, alcohol, or “R”-rated movies for those who are younger than the intended age?

Isn’t it cool how teenagers remember and value relationships much more than they will remember specific Bible studies or youth programming?

Remind me again why God would choose a person like me to feed His sheep.

Remind me again to be thankful that Christ has gifted me specifically to do this for the long haul, and to be thankful that He’s big enough to ignore my ranting!