It is time for a time out. Can we just kick back and rewind? We all need a break from technology. Technology can be a resourceful part of life, but it also can consume us.
Everywhere I go, I see people with their cell phones in front of their faces. It seems they can’t stop the craving for more screen time. Television used to be a problem, people sitting for hours watching soap operas and westerns and such.
I can remember the days, when I was a small child, when being outside riding bikes, playing in the dirt with marbles and playing hopscotch and jumping rope was the norm. Staying outside until dusk was an everyday thing. Children were healthier.
Can we all take a break? Can we take some time to think? What is important in life? Is it important to sit at the table for dinner and have family conversations? Is it important to cook with our kids? Is it important to communicate with our children and ask about their school day?
I am concerned for families. The desire for media is taking over. It is stealing our children’s minds and their innocence. I used to see more families visiting parks. A lot of children do not want to leave the house because they want to use their gaming systems.
The one thing that is alarming is that parents are allowing all of it. It is sometimes easier for parents to give in than get creative. Most kids like excitement. Parents could get a little creative like going on an adventure in the woods or taking a hike in unfamiliar territory, randomly packing for a picnic in the park.
It may seem hard to rewind but it can be done. Making changes takes time but it is so important to start thinking about how our time is being spent.
Jesus took time for others. He took time to create an amazing world. He gave us creative minds and the ability to create many things. He also gave us a choice. I pray that we make a choice to unwind and decide to cut back on technology and spend time with each other by listening and taking time to enjoy the simple things we have been given.
