“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5
I was on my way to work, making my way down I-40. I had some good music playing. I was enjoying my morning caffeine when I suddenly began to worry that I had left something at home. I realized I had left my phone at home. Oh No!!! I quickly began to calculate how far I was away from home and if it would be worth turning around to retrieve my phone. I had gone too far. Turning around would waste too much time on a day when I had so much to do.
A panic settled into my car as I began to worry about what the day would be like without my phone. The beauty of the day began to fade as I lamented not having my phone. After all, I do so much on my phone. Would it even be possible to make it an entire day without my phone?
Once I got over my momentary panic, I realized that I would most likely survive the day. I did not need it to read a book, pray, plan events, or the many other things that fill my day. Yet, for a moment, I thought that leaving this little device at my house was going to somehow keep me from being productive or even enjoying the day.
There are so many things that have a possessive power over us. We fear missing out when we are away from our technology, social media, or other things we use throughout the day. Many of these devices help our productivity, but they also take much of our time that could otherwise be spent connecting with God and God’s people.
I want to encourage you to put away your phones, computers, and tablets for a significant time each day. I know it is scary. It may cause momentary panic, but trust me, you will make it through the day. Not only will you survive the day, but I also believe that if you are intentional, you will connect with God in a beautiful way. It is a time to remember God’s love for us and why we love our God. When we set aside our distractions and focus on connecting with God, we will find a life far more abundant than any digital experience.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
