Rest from Response

Having returned from my first transcontinental journey, I have a lot to get used to again. Besides being with good friends and awesome scenery, I had a vacation from my cell phone and computer. We couldn’t even get service for our phones. I still had an e-reader where I could sometimes check e-mails but I felt very free of electronic compulsions. I also realized how much time I spend attending to those devices. We didn’t watch television for more than a few weather reports (not counting in-flight movies). Overall, it was a very peaceful and freeing experience.

So I really do believe that some of my anxiety in life is from too much information. Being bombarded with a continual stream of bad news from all over the planet is exhausting. And add to that the need to quickly respond to all phone calls, messages, and correspondence. Life has become a microwave oven with an alarm clock.

Sabbath Rest from Electronics

I’m appreciating the concept of Sabbath rest much more upon return from my trip. And with that, I mean regular Sabbaths—each day and each week. Complete rest from all electronics so that I can focus on my God relationship, real vs. virtual people, and the physical world. Perhaps one hour each day of Sabbath rest from response, and then as much as possible for one day per week. I’d even suggest experimenting with an occasional one day without wearing a watch. Get up with the light and turn in with the dark. What a concept!

Many people dream of allowing themselves to be “on vacation” but they never give up being in contact. Sometimes we can actually feel more important by hiding away for a little while.

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 17:8, NIV).

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. What do you think would happen if you could not be reached by phone or other electronics for one whole day?

2. How could you expand your concept of the Sabbath?

If you liked this, you might also like Day of Rest | 5 Reasons to Take a Break from Screens

Karen Spruill writes from Orlando, Florida.

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