Completely UNPlugged!
When was the last time you unplugged? I mean, COMPLETELY unplugged - no phone, no tv, no computer, no internet...nothing!
My family just got back from 8 days in North Carolina. My husband's parents have a farm on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains. It is beautiful, peaceful, simple and apparently a place where AT&T doesn't see the need for a cell tower anywhere in the area! Each time we go, we know that our phones will only be used for picture taking because they read "No Service" the entire time we are on the mountain.
In year's passed, we have had internet connection via a "hotspot" along with TV but that wasn't the case this year. When I say we were unplugged, I mean 100%, completely, unplugged! Now, let me be honest, when I first realized that we didn't have internet or tv on top of our phones, I got the shakes just a little! I mean, y'all, I wasn't mentally prepared for the thorough technological hiatus I was thrown in the middle of! I started asking myself questions like, "But what about my business, I wasn't prepared to be completely out of touch for an entire 8 days!" and "What will it be like to not "connect" with the world for this long?"
Then, it hit me! 8 days on "do not disturb" wasn't going to cause a world crisis! It wasn't going to cause my business to tank. And it definitely wasn't going to hurt me to be a little "less connected" to the world! The truth of the matter was this was a GIFT! And I'm certain God orchestrated it for very specific reasons.
1.) Without the distractions of the "world" I was able to be completely present with the my husband and boys, the people in my world!
2.) Decluttering my mind from what everyone else is doing, allowed me to be still, rest, reflect and regain consciousness towards what I was doing in my own life.
3.) When people spoke to me, they didn't get the hand signal to "wait" while I finished texting, posting or reading about someone else's adventure that day. The distraction was eliminated.
4.) Enjoying peace and quiet, opened my ears to hear God speak in countless ways where I had allowed distractions to keep me from hearing at times.
5.) Time is precious & limited; our priorities matter and what we do to honor them is crucial!
So I ask you again, when was the last time you completely unplugged and allowed yourself to get in tune with your heart, soul, & mind, when you sat quietly with God as you listened to the birds sing or the rain fall, and when you took note of the blessings right in front of you and were ultra intentional on making memories while you can!
We can look at the world to give us satisfaction in our lives but when we do, we are missing the boat! We are actually drowning! Looking to God for our breath and being grateful for the life, love and season He has us in is the sweet spot. The seasons are fleeting but when we have our priorities straight, we can make memories that will stick with us forever!
XO,
Christy