Filler

Filler is one way to describe episodes of a TV show that don't advance the plot. Nothing really changes in the main important story line, and the characters run around in circles for a while trying to entertain the audience while nothing of import occurs. This is particularly apparent in anime shows adapted from manga (Japanese comic books). Anime series will have large stretches of filler while they wait for the manga to get far enough ahead of the series or for the animators to create the episodes that are part of the main story.

Not only is filler inconsequential, but it also tends to be lower quality. The writing is lower quality. The animation is lower quality. It's merely there to entertain the audience and keep them occupied and watching until the new episodes start with the good stuff.

Filler is also creeping into my life. The content that made me think about this was my phone. It has twitter and Facebook and RSS feeds to divert me whenever I have a spare second or two. It has become my interstitial activity. Whenever I have a spare moment between larger activities or events, I pick up my phone to see the latest from twitter or whichever piece of filler can wedge itself into my time. For a while there I even was taking my phone to the bathroom to fill that slice of time where I am somewhat idle.

It's filler content. It's low quality and only there to keep me entertained. What it has done is push out what used to occupy those nooks and crannies in my day. What used to be there was contemplation, prayer, daydreaming and just plain old space. These things give my brain a bit of a respite from work or errands and help keep me connected with God and the world around me. When I am constantly entertained by a screen in front of me, I don't look around and notice the world, the people in it, or the Spirit acting in it.

So today at church as I was running slides for the worship team's rehearsal, I put my phone in its sleeve and set it down. It felt good to have a bit more head space to prayer or contemplate or do whatever and let the mind uncoil and stretch. Let's see if I can make that a habit.