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Technology, the gizmos and gadgets we have are promised to simplify our lives, provide enjoyment and decrease our work effort.
Are our day to day life activities punctuated with "Hold on, let me answer this call?” or "I just have to check my email before I order my dinner” and "I wanted to be there, but I had to finish this power point presentation…”? Thanks to lap tops, networks and other progressive techno-gadgets, you can now work after work.
Are we truly progressive with all this technology or are we in bondage to these devices and losing the art of face to face communication, quality time with loved ones and common decency?
I have to admit that I am a gadget freak. But one year without my own cell phone has opened my eyes to some things.
Cell Free
My husband and I experienced financial difficulties so we pared down to sharing one phone. I learned a few things that year about my (and apparently many others) fascination with our convenience devices.
I learned that without a cell phone to chat on I could drive in my car and converse with God, myself and my family. It was really freeing to only turn on the phone when needed. Embroiled in Atlanta traffic allotted for plenty of quality time that I had previously said I did not have.
I also learned that it was such an ego trip to think I always needed to be accessible for my friends, family and associates. I now know that not being able to talk with me for hours at a time has had no detrimental effects on anyone!
Finally, I learned to be more relaxed without hearing a phone ring while out driving, shopping or whatever. From that year’s experience, I have learned the joy of turning off my cell phone. As I mused in the gym one evening, What could that lady possibly be talking about as she holds a cell phone to one ear and uses the other to adjust the weights on the chest press machine? I marveled at my new found cell phone freedom and happily grunted through my leg extensions.
What Has Captured Your Attention?
Which devices are you so dependant on that you forgo one on one conversation to use it? Do you think it is okay to sit at a restaurant and talk on the phone while your dinner guests wait for you to end your call? Do you check your email hundreds of times a day? Do you text and drive? Have you tuned out the world by walking around listening to your MP3 player? My concern is this, we are so busy with all the gadgets and gizmos we can’t be still or quiet long enough to hear from God.
There is a time and place for everything. Be mindful of that and don’t let your time be bound up with gadgets. Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16