Family photo 2013

Family photo 2013

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Our new computer

It's a pc. Even though I have always thought a notebook would be nice. Could take it with me while I sit on my bed at night-where I usually read an actual book-and take care of my Very Important Online Business (leaving you a blog comment) instead. But upon further consideration, I realized something.

As convenient as it would be to have a mobile computer, truthfully, the last thing I need is to become MORE connected electronically.

I have GOT to be intentional about drawing boundaries to not allow our lives to spiral out of control with the constant tether to various electronic devices. I don't want to lose the joy of real life togetherness and meaningful relationship building opportunities.
It seems in families it happens all too easily, gradually, inch by inch, until one day you wake up and find yourself texting your kids to ask them to clean their rooms or turn their lights out for bedtime, saying "H2CUS honey" because you know it's been far too long since you've sat and looked into their beautiful blue eyes over a hot meal but you're realistically not likely to do it anytime soon because you can't tear yourself away from your own electronic obsessions to bond effectively with your own children while they are still under your roof.

Do I really want my computer on vacation with me (if I do ever take one? Yes, some day I will!) No. I don't think so. Do I want it sitting in my bed at night when I would be enjoying a good book? I'm thinking not. Do I really need to have even more online accessibility, more screen time? I know I do not.

It's going to be up to me to set a good example for my children if there's any chance at all for them in this rat-raced, fast paced, high tech world in which we live to enjoy true human interaction, to treasure people in a real, tangible way. It's a constant struggle in our day and age.

So far, this home is a text free zone. I doubt it will stay that way forever but I know this for sure: I will be watchful, careful not to allow electronics to run our lives drawing away the pleasure of face to face conversation and laughter, dancing around the house and playing old fashined board games because we are too addicted to our gadgets and the still photos of the people in them to spend time cherishing what is most important. That has to start with me.

Faces, expressions, hugs, heart to heart connecting with a favorite beverage in hand.....a few things not to be missed in this fleeting life.

Time for me to get off my computer now ;-)

3 comments:

Holly said...

with you on that....made the same decision for the same reason!

Deanna said...

Amen!!!

I have to say, I love my Macbook. But I do agree that it's an important decision to consciously not make electronics rule our lives and the lives of our children!

Ice Cream Lady said...

Oh man, you've totally given me a kick in the pants. My children have just gone outside in their pjs to play, since I was too busy reading my blog roll to lay out their clothes for the day. Yep, ttyl, gotta go.

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