I think we can all agree, at least to some degree, that our devices control big aspects of our lives. Here at training camp, we’re not allowed to have our phones from right before breakfast until after the post-dinner activity. Though it’s not the biggest deal in the world, I still find myself itching for my phone in my pocket from time to time. Fast forward a few days until I’m in the sick room, with a virus that shall not be named for the sake of everyone else’s sanity at training camp. I packed a book called The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, which I have ironically been too busy, or hurried, to read. So after napping in isolation for four hours and having nothing else to do, I picked it up, and read the first few chapters.
I’m going to be really straight up, it was a callout. And not a pretty one. When’s the last time I just sat and got to read a book? And when I do, why is it… hard? Going without my phone is a piece of cake when I’m busy between sessions, team building, and squad time, but the moment I’m left alone with nothing to do, my immediate reaction is to reach for something I know isn’t there. But as the days go on, the grab for my phone at night becomes less and less fulfilling, and I catch myself scrolling on whatever app has my immediate attention, looking for something more. If you also have this problem, where your need for the instant gratification that technology gives you fades, and you find yourself bored and seeking something, anything else: power off your phone for a day. Those emails can sit in your inbox a little while longer. Give the Bible a real shot if you haven’t for a while. Sit with the Lord and simply enjoy His presence. Trust me, I know it’s a lot harder than it sounds. But I promise, taking the time to slow down and rest in the character of Jesus can be pretty sweet.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
I love the simplicity of this verse, and I’ve taken a good amount of my own burdens straight to the cross. But what if the rest we need from Jesus is a rest from the thousands of big and little anxieties our phones can carry? It’s true: with our devices we have the world at our fingertips, but I like to think Jesus wants us to see the world that’s right in front of us. Laughing with each other during meals knowing no one is going to glance down and become absorbed into their phone. Stopping and appreciating the picturesque scenery of Gainesville instead of whipping out a camera to take a picture. Smiling and striking deep conversation with someone you just met because their head isn’t buried in the screen in their lap. Behind all the miserably early mornings, incredibly cold walks, and mildly unsanitary nature of training camp, there’s an honest joy about it that I can only describe as delighting in life itself.
Gotta love that Ninjacof,
Camille Curtis
