Always on-line
I’m a notorius multi-tasker. It’s like a game to me to see how much I can cram into a day and how much I can do at one time.
This morning in my typical multi-tasking, I was blow drying my hair while reading from 2 Timothy. (I actually keep a Bible tucked in my bathroom cabinet next to my hairspray and face wash!) As I was finishing my reading (and hair drying) the bookmark that I have in my Bible got my attention. It’s a tiny piece of paper with notes from a Catalyst Conference that I attended several years ago. I don’t remember who the speaker was but they were challenging us about the frantic, hectic pace of our lives and how we now live in a society where we are always “on-line”, we are always accessible and that we need to be deliberate about taking the time to disconnect. Here’s what I wrote:
Cost to always be on-line:
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lose passion for what I do
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always overwhelmed
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not able to invest in myself or those close to me
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hopeless; depressed; not happy
Payoff of cutting the wire (to be able to shut down)
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peace of mind
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better relationships
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able to hear God’s direction
I needed this reminder today and I’m disappointed to say that I don’t think I do any better with this issue than I did 3 or 4 years ago at this conference – in fact I would say that I’ve gotten worse. Often times when I am overwhelmed the last thing that makes sense to me is to stop, disconnect and get away – I’ve got to work harder to get it all done.
Jesus got this. Not only are there plenty of examples in the gospels of Jesus taking time away to pray and regroup, but He encouraged his followers to do this too. Check out this passage:
Mark 6:30-32
“Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all the things, both what they had done and what they had taught. and He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in a boat by themselves.”
How do you disconnect?
It is so tough to pull away when we feel like we ‘should’ be doing it all. I think having accountability in our life is a huge factor in disconnecting. Someone who can look you in the eyes and tell you to put down something is so important. Of course, simply unplugging the laptop and phone can help too! 🙂
Having “alone” time is extremely important to my sanity. My job involves a lot of multi-tasking and includes people coming at me from all directions, and the phone ringing constantly. The last thing I want to do when I get home is be on the phone or even be around people. But then I have a husband who works out of town and needs my attention, by phone, of course, along with family and friends. It is so difficult sometimes to know where to draw the line…and like you, Jenni….I don’t know how to juggle it all, except to take that personal time, but I confess, I don’t do it enough.
I really disconnect by scheduling time for me and keeping it sacred. If your ‘well’ is empty, you have nothing to give. Also sometimes your car can be a great place to be quiet and listen for God’s still small voice…even if its only 5 or 10 minutes….just turning off the radio and not making phone calls will give you a little peace to & fro. A few minutes of disconnecting every day will give you room to breathe & meditate.