Do you remember life before Smart Phones? Before that voice in your head was always saying things like: “better check my _____ site”, “my ________ page”, or “see if _________ replied?” Frankly, that’s a lot of blanks! And even more frankly — there seems to be an ironic DISconnect because of the constant use of sites and devices designed to keep us connected.
Once upon a time we got home from work, opened the mail, returned a phone call or two–and bingo–we were done with messages for the day! Almost miraculously (it seems now), we could enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing with our families. Now, we have an endless battle with messages: voicemail, email, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and snail mail! We are NEVER done checking messages, because with 24-hour access the day simply never ends. And we are always accessible.
For example, have you noticed when two people meet for lunch, there are way more than two people there? “Ding. Oops, gotta check this…Sorry. What was that?”
And even if we are dutifully ignoring our phones–honestly, where is our brain? Worried about what needs to be responded to. All these obligations – are to what? And to whom?
That is the question of today.
And no I don’t have the answer. But I do know one thing, I am not going to sit around and simply be swished downstream in the ever-widening flood of omnipresent social media. Pretty soon a talking head will appear in my bath water!
Hence, my decision to engage in a primary fast from social media for the season of Lent. Why? My hope is to spend time reconnecting with God– to learn again how to be quiet enough to hear His voice (rather than mine). And then to pray for better connections with friends and family, too.
Thus, for the 40 days of Lent I will: A) not post anything B) not spend spontaneous time scrolling social media sites and C) will purposefully do “spot checks” twice a week (with a timer set for 5 minutes)–to scan for major life events such as funerals, weddings, etc.
I have learned that nothing takes precedence over relationships: our relationship with God and our relationships with others. And whatever we can do to enhance these…well, it is simply worth trying.
Just how to get there… more thoughts after Easter!
” For thus said the Lord God… in quietness and trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
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