Within my journey of reduced connectedness, I’m realizing how much more space I have available both mentally and spiritually.
Without technology’s continual clamor for my attention, I’m better able to breathe, pray, and find renewal within the peacefulness that results.
Better able to give God the elbow room needed within my attention span to do the work He wants to do.
Looking Up
Lauren Daigle has an album that contains a song with the same name: “Look up, child.”
That’s what I hear God saying more and more—both within that quiet space when He calls me to prayer and connection with Him—and in the practical space of technology’s pull on my attention.
To look up from my smartphone and engage with the person who’s physically with me.
To push back from my monitor screen to give my undivided attention to whoever needs it or is blessing me by giving me theirs.
To sit on a blanket in the yard and look up at the beauty of God’s creation all around me to be renewed in the middle of the day—instead of spending this miraculous time scrolling through the world’s problems on my phone.
And of course, to drive without distractions and keep everyone on the road—including me and my passengers—safer as a result.
Disconnectedness vs Intermittent Connectedness
I’ve been thinking a lot about this disconnect kick I’m on.
Especially since I have several new technology clients—who may wonder about the wisdom of hiring a writer who talks in such a way.
But here’s the rub in all of that: I wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of technology.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t be so excited by the new things I learn and the technology offerings these wonderful companies create to help others.
And if I wasn’t excited, I surely wouldn’t be able to provide much marketing support as a writer.
So, I’m thinking perhaps I should reframe my journey a bit, and refer to it as one of “intermittent connectedness,” instead.
Because as I’ve said before, technology itself isn’t the issue—but how we use it and the role we allow it to play in our lives.
Within that context, what is a benefit for one may be a barrier for another.
And that’s something each one of us has to decide for ourselves.
This post is adapted from Sue’s Perspectives column in the latest edition of The Empowered Traveler™ Newsletter. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can do that here: Subscribe to Sue’s newsletter.