Several years ago, MTV experimented with inviting artists to appear "unplugged." No amps, no distortion, no giant productions ... all trappings were set aside in favor of simplicity. People were struck by the beauty of talent.
I just went unplugged for almost a month. I purposely disconnected my email, set away messages on my phone and broke my computer ties with the work world. It was beautiful. The electronic noise in my life faded away.
The electronic noise was replaced by other noises. Draining electronic noise gave way to rejuvenating conversations, relaxed schedules and laughter. The click of keyboards gone, my hands were freed for other things; human touch, board games and play.
Anxiety and racing heartbeats were put to death by afternoon naps. Wrestless nights were gone by day four and replaced by deep, renewing sleep.
I am a techie. I love gadgets. But I have gradually become a slave to electronic devices. Initially, they kept me connected to people. I love people. But somehow, these little connecting devices became tools of details and deadlines and grew into barriers that kept me from people. Instead of helping me in building relationships, these devices have become little more than pipelines for additional demands, administration and scheduling.
My unplugged experiment brought a major unexpected bonus. I found myself having running conversations with God. He surprised me by showing up beside me on amusement park benches in Orlando. I felt His arm around me while I walked around the pool and I shared numerous moments with Him where I sensed Him saying, "Breath deep, enjoy, look what I have given you."
Sabbath rest.
Unplug, my friend. Please don't answer my call. Feel free not to respond to my email immediately. Set aside times to unplug and sense God hanging with you.
About Me
- Scott Linscott
Like the snake who calls the lizard a reptile
Like the chimp who calls the jester a clown
When I tell you, “You oughta be ashamed or yourself”
I’ve gotta set my knees on the ground
O how the mighty have fallen O how the reckless are crawling now O how the mighty have fallen Such a long way down
Thank you, please don’t swing your shovel at my head, friend
No, I truly won’t appreciate that sound
When you tell me I surely should atone for my sin
I hope you know the fate of the proud
O how the mighty have fallen…
- The Choir (Hindalong, Byrd)
I have been a pastor since 1985. It has been quite a journey. During these more than 20 years I have witnessed healthy church communities, churches that were closed societies and even ministries that misused Scripture to abuse and manipulate people.
Each experience has helped shaped the person I am today and make me more and more convinced that every teaching, every experience and every urging must be filtered through the Standard which is God's Word.
1 comment:
when we first arrived in Costa Rica we had no cell phones. It was unnerving at first like withdrawl. After a while I liked the quietness and lack of urgency( maybe because the ring was so obnoxious you had to answere it right away). We tell each other when we expect to return and alow a 2 hour grace period before worrying. When we were just in the states for a few weeks it was the cell phones that hit our ears not just the rings but the open conversations all about us. I don't miss cell phones anymore now we have returned.
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