For better or for worse, we are officially an iFamily. With three iPhones, one iPod Touch, and an iPad, we are fully techno. Maybe not tech-savvy…
…but tech-heavy!
And though technology can be amazing, fun, quick, and helpful, it can also be addictive, burdensome, time-stealing, and high-maintenance.
Last night as our family was riding in the car, my 9 year old son was listening to music on his new iPod touch — without earphones. {Read: Gangnam Style LOUD…} So, we all in unison barked, “Turn that off!” His reply: “I don’t know how.” Again, unison response: “Press the PAUSE.”
Aaaah… Press the Pause.
This is a great lesson for us all as we kick in this new year and get busy in our new routines, our new management systems, or even back in our old ways of doing things. We can forget how to turn it all off….
…Press the Pause.
We need to pause to:
- Spend time with the ONE who created us and has the Ultimate plan for our lives. We can get so busy “planning” our lives and schedules that we fail to consult with the ONE who is our Wonderful Counselor, aka Master Planner.
- Look into the faces of the ones whom God has given us responsibility to care for: our spouses, our children, other family members. If you find yourself constantly saying, “Wait just a moment,” perhaps you need to PAUSE for just a moment. They need to know they are important in your life.
- Recharge our batteries. Just as all of our incredible technology has to be charged on a regular basis, our bodies, minds, and spirits were created to need recharging as well. This means rest, relaxation, and reflection.
“It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?” Psalm 127:1 (MSG)
Pausing gives us opportunity to remember what is truly important. So, this year as you are formulating your goals and plans, be sure to include pausing. Then, when it is time to press play again, you’ll be ready… full of the Father’s love, your family’s blessing, and your batteries at 100%.
