We spent most of yesterday at the church without phones or internet. This also happened about a week ago, but we were able to fix it. This time was different -- involving multiple vendors, each telling us it wasn't their problem. When the internet goes down, those of us on staff deal with it differently. Some of us wait around to see if it gets fixed soon. If not, we head to the nearest internet café, or home to finish up work needing a digital connection. Others of us have to wait around to meet with the repairmen. However we deal with it, I believe all of us feel disconnected to some degree.
I am amazed how quickly we have become conditioned to always being connected. And when we are disconnected, it feels strange. You have probably seen the TV commercial where the family is going insane because they have not been connected to the internet for only a few minutes!
Yesterday I found myself moving from task to task, only to hit a dead end when I needed to do something requiring me to be connected. And I have to confess that when I am sitting still and things get a little too quiet, I find my hand creeping toward my smartphone, like an addict feeding an addiction. I am sure some marketing people would respond with glee in hearing my story and my need to always be connected.
What occurred to me in the midst of all of this digital disconnection, was how I rarely felt that way when I become disconnected from God. I don't mean that God actually goes away, but rather that I lose my awareness of God -- or even my desire to be aware of God. Often the number one culprit is busyness -- and the digital world has made that much worse. So, my reflection for today is simply this: next time you feel disconnected, reach for your Bible instead of your smartphone, or say a prayer instead of tweeting a picture of you feeling bored. You just might find a deeper, more lasting connection.
Prayer for Today
Thank you, God, for reaching out to connect with us. Help us to return the favor. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
