Meaty Monday: Techno Sabbath

I've had similar thoughts about how computers and media in general can take over our lives. Here's an article I write on the subject called "Media Sabbath," which contains some ideas similar to yours:

http://disciplineforjustice.blogspot.com/2007/0...

Actually, about a couple months ago, I committed to quit lounging around and watching mindless TV every evening and to pray instead. Well I prayed some, but I also found that I interacted with my husband more, did a lot more of the sewing projects I had on my TO DO list and checked up on family members more. We also listened to more audio books while I worked on sewing.
And I have also returned to my first love ... books, and Bible study. ... and sewing.

Because I work on a computer every day, all day and check e-mail for the office to get news drops, I rarely look at e-mail at home, even on the weekends.

Although I work at a newspaper, I don't, in general, watch the news. I see some when I go to the exercise place, but find myself excessively annoyed in this long-drawn-out political season that the stories vary little from day to day. I started taking a book to read while I exercise instead. I can still follow the news but I don't have to so. Funny how the world goes on without my knowing every little thing that happens in it.

But then, I found that out with an emphasis the summer of the OJ stuff. We were in a medical crisis and not watching anything except our sick loved one. So I never got caught up in the story ... and afterwards refused to follow it. The judge never called and asked my opinion about the guy's innocence or guilt, so I guess it wasn't essential news.

For working at a news office, I feel the least clued in about breaking news but the most aware of the in-depth subjects covered in magazines.

I hope your period of lent from techno overload brings you many insights.

Great post, Jim. And thanks for the link (I popped one over this way too). I think your more stringent policy is probably a bit better than my gray work/play distinction, but to tell you the truth. While in a foreign country with few friends, bad weather, and really expensive everything, cutting out the internet one day a week would not be healthy. Sounds like it's the way for you to go, though and I wish you the best of luck.

Wow. I feel like you've held up a mirror to me, especially with email. I check mine too, too often. You've given me alot to think about and reflect upon.

I agree and I think I've swung from responsible to irresponsible use...so for me I'm in a place where I'm trying to re-adjust and I hope I can do so while extending myself grace and not being legalistically bound to this contract!!!

On another note: I tore up all my credit cards at one time because I was irresponsible with them...that meant I didn't have one for quite some time, but now I'm a responsible one card user having learned my lesson.

Jim - Good post and challenge for folks to at least think through their relationship with Technology. I have found that part of the difficulty is that much of my "normal" life is also wrapped up in technology. I used to try and do a 24hr unplugged time, but then I had to find the address for somewhere I wanted to go and I can't for the life of me find a Yellow Pages Book. One time I wanted to see a movie, but since we don't get a paper, only the computer was there. For me, lifestyle and ministry are do inexplicable tied together that it is hard do be able to draw a line. I am not saying this is good.

I would look at is in the same way I use my car as part of my life, my credit cards, etc. There is responsible use and then there is frivolous use.

Just some thoughts.

Bruce