I’m putting myself into a detox program. I’ve known for a long time I had this problem, but never got up the courage to deal with it. Several times I came close to hitting bottom, but a week ago I hit it. I finally realized this is no way to live. So I stopped cold turkey: no business e-mails outside of business hours. For that matter, I’m not checking e-mail every minute during business hours. And when the business day, the business week is over? I’m disconnected. Need something from me? When I come back to work – that’s my detox regimen.
The Labor Department studies how we Americans spend our time. “Reading, socializing in person, and taking a second to think, have edged down since 2003.” Do you need to detox? From e-mails? From messaging? Facebook? Twitter? In denial about driving with that device in your hand? Take a second to think.
Think of the God implications. When you come before God at the end of your life, you won’t be able to Google the right answers. Preparation requires solitude with God, not your screen.
Think of family and friend implications, “socializing in person.” More hearts closer together, quality and quantity time. And don’t get me started on earbuds!
Think of the personal peace you’re giving away by being constantly connected. Can you sit in a room with the TV on, or do you mindlessly always have it on, cluttering your thoughts?
We’re lured into living 24/7/365. However, God didn’t create us to be nonstop productive. That’s why the Creator designed our bodies and minds to sleep. When God rested on the seventh day and later instituted the Sabbath, He was commanding us to have restful, nonproductive times.
A recovered addict to alcohol told me that he hit bottom when he said, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” My version: “I’m sick and tired of being wired and tired.” And in case you’re wondering, people know how to reach me should a real emergency happen.
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