Media Outreach

For the last two weeks, I haven’t watched TV nor have I had access to the Internet in my apartment. My roommate recently moved out and a new one moved in, but we haven’t set up the new cable/Internet service. Not for a lack of trying…that’s another story.  It’s okay, though.  I don’t watch that much TV, except for the news. THAT I miss. I feel disconnected from knowing what’s going on in the world. Sure, I can hop on CNN.com or the local news station’s Web site and find out what’s happening, but watching the news in the morning while getting ready is more convenient as I’m pretty busy during the day.

All that to say…I’ve kind of enjoyed the break from constant information stimulation.  (try to say that 5 times fast!) When I go home, I’m forced to:

1. Talk to my roommate more. (Jennifer, you’re a blessing!)
2. Read something- Thankfully I get The Economist and Time Magazines, so I can satisfy my news addiction.  News Junkie? Yep.

However, it’s kind of freeing to not be connected at home. It has made me realize how much time I spend (or waste?) on the Internet. – Whether it’s on social networks, working, writing, emailing, researching…etc.

It’s also been good for me spiritually. I don’t have noise distractions. I don’t have connection distractions. It’s quiet in the morning when I eat breakfast. I’ve been reading my Bible during this time, praying as the Lord brings things to mind and just resting.

Challenge: Think about challenging your family, congregation, or yourself to a fast from technology at home for a week or two. It’s refreshing and you might be surprised to find you actually like it.

Photo By: ShironekoEuro