The idea of going off the grid excites me to no end (at least, for a day ~smile~)! But, that is, until I think about having to give up my computer and TV. When I consider a day without electronics, I imagine my husband being free! No iPhone, no iPad, no computer games, no Facebook, and no e-mails. Ahhh, what an exhilarating thought for me (and terrifying thought for him ~smile~).
Even though such a day would require me to sacrifice a few conveniences I’ve grown to appreciate, I still think twenty-four hours without so much as a quick Facebook check would be incredible! ~smile~
According to daysoftheyear.com, one of today’s holidays is (drum roll please…..) Day of Unplugging!!! Yippee!!! This quote from their website is spot on: “There are times in our lives when we forget how necessary it is to actually interact with the people around us. The Day of Unplugging is the perfect remedy.” We need to revive actual, real life, person-to-person communication – especially with our significant others! You may be able to get through life texting the majority of your acquaintances, but your spouse and kids will need to have face-to-face quality time with you – the real you.
Check Your Motivations… What Drives You?
As much as I wish this was not the case, I love watching TV. Even just having it on in the background is nice. It’s like having company all the time, but I don’t have to interact with them. (a delight to this introvert’s mind) ~smile~ Sadly, I feel driven to have the TV on; whereas, others simply turn it on occasionally when there is something specific they want to watch. When I wake up in the morning, I grab for my remote. At night, I set the timer for the TV to turn off after I’m asleep.
How I wish I was as driven to wake up and grab for my Bible and to pray myself to sleep at night. Television is not bad in and of itself, but abusing it and using it as a glorious distraction is a problem. A few weeks ago, my pastor said something that struck me between the eyes. I wrote it down even though I hated hearing it. He eloquently said, “Entertainment is the devil’s substitute for joy.” Admittedly, watching TV, though entertaining, has never brought me joy.
What drives you? What will you make sure you do even if it requires you to lose sleep, procrastinate on work, or ignore those significant to you?
What Could Be Gained from Just An Extra Half Hour a Day?
Think of what drives you. Is it healthy? Does it bring God honor and glory? Does it draw you closer to God and your sweetie? Is it uplifting for you and those around you?
If not, consider this. If you spent just 30 minutes less per day on that activity (whatever it is), what changes could you make in your life? Would you have more quality time with your sweetie, family, or friends? Would you be able to get ahead significantly on some lingering projects? Could you spend more time in God’s Word and in prayer – thus improving your life on all sides? What could you gain by proactively giving yourself 30 minutes a day to succeed on something worthwhile instead of spending it on the habits which drive you?
Me? I could have a cleaner, more organized home. I could have more in-depth conversations with Eric. I could get ahead on work projects, and I could certainly spend more time bathing my heart with Scripture.
Avoiding Regret
Before making big decisions or making big purchases, it is a good idea to ask yourself the question, “Will I be glad made this decision in ten years?” If the answer is no, it is probably time to abandon the idea. If the answer is yes, you should probably move forward.
Taking this a step further, ask yourself, “What will matter to me when I’m old, frail, and know my time has almost come?” At that moment, I doubt I will care how a TV series ended or how many levels I beat on Candy Crush Saga; but, I know I will care about the people in my life, how much time I poured into them, and how many lives I touched.
When we more consider the end of our days, we can better plan for the journey. Where do I want to end up? Is the path I’m on getting me there?
Will You Spend a Day Unplugged?
Can you do it? Sure you can! How will you spend your day? Taking a walk? Playing a board game? Sipping coffee at Starbucks with your sweetheart and not your laptop?
I picture sitting at breakfast together, looking out the front window at the beautiful day. Then getting ready and going out somewhere – maybe to the Farmer’s market. Then a walk near a local stream with the pup, followed by a fun dinner and games!
How will you and your sweetheart spend your unplugged day?