Tags
Connect, Encouragement, faith, Family, Husband, internet, ipad, iphone, Kids, Love, Marriage, Parenting, Simplify, technology
I think that these days, it is so hard to find where we belong in this world. Everything is based off of technology. If you don’t have the latest gadget or are the most popular social media then you are “so last year”. I’ve said this before but I have found myself wishing for a simpler time. Wishing that we (a general “we”) weren’t so attached to our phones, iPads, DVR, Facebook, Twitter, etc, etc, etc. No wonder people get lonely, depressed, feel like no one understands them. It’s because no one is talking. No one is intentional in their relationships, in their marriages. Everything is just superficial. Everything is perfect. There is no more getting deeper and having those friendships that last a life time. You may have one or two of those, and that is awesome! But we need to be able to put the work in for those.
Last week we were outside because it was almost 70 degrees and we were literally the only people in the neighborhood outside. I couldn’t believe it! It was so sad to me. I remember growing up and being outside a lot! I admit that, up until recently, I have been one of those people who was completely and totally addicted to everything about my phone. I just wanted to escape. I didn’t want to think about my problems. I didn’t want to have to focus on what was wrong with my life. If I just stop interacting with people then all my problems will be solved, right? But no, that just makes them a million times worse!
I have been so tired of missing out on life. So I dumbed down my smart phone. I have taken off email, internet access, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. (I never really got into Twitter…shocker!) It has been so nice. I don’t feel like I have to constantly be on. I don’t have to constantly feel like I am going to miss out on something. So what…. someone that I was “friends” with 20 years ago is getting married. Good for them… but is that really something that will help me make it through today? Not at all. Do I really have to answer every email that comes in the minute that it comes in? NO! People know that I am going to respond, but it don’ts have to be within 5 minutes of the initial email or text. The people that really, truly deserve me present are my husband, and my kids. That’s it! No one else matters (no offense to all my friends). But my family is the most important… not my phone, my email, Facebook, Twitter, pinterest, Instagram, Text messages. We need to learn to life our eyes from our techy worlds and see the real world passing us by every second. See what the Lord has blessed us with. Start seeing your spouse again, and realizing how crazy amazing your kids are. Start reconnecting in a real way with friendships that have gone by the wayside.
Do you think you can do it? What are some things that you can do to simplify your life and be present with the ones who really deserve your best?