In the 1880s, hosiery businessman LaMarcus Thompson was greatly troubled by the hedonistic places like saloons and brothels that had become so prominent for too many Americans. So he set out to straighten up one of the most immoral places he could think of – Coney Island in New York. There, he built America’s first roller coaster to give New Yorkers some good, clean fun, away from seedier pastimes. His theory proved correct. The more people were distracted by clean fun, the less time they spent in nefarious activities.
The reason most of us get into trouble is that we haven’t gotten into anything else.
Sometimes, good, clean fun is the antidote to acting out behaviors. You don’t have to ride roller coasters to stay sober. Pick another hobby, sport, or activity. Find ways to do things that are wholesome and fun.
Recovery Step: The brother of our Lord said, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). Go find the next right thing to do.
