The January 2008 issue of Readers Digest published "Don't Be Overwhelmed by Technology" by Ron Geraci. A simple article, but apparently with some research behind it. Here are some take-aways for me:
• The growing avalanche emails, cell phone calls and text messages, in addition to the more traditional forms of communication still coming at us, can be overwhelming.
• Constant connectivity destroys boundaries and can reduce our daily lives to "a series of constant microinterruptions and stop-starts."
• Some of what's coming at us is noninformation, unworthy of our time and attention.
• Electronic relationships are more vulnerable to misunderstanding. Each email can require multiple judgment calls on the receiver's end: "How quickly must I reply? Why did she CC me? Is he angry, or am I misreading his tone?"
More could be said. But I need to make some adjustments in my own life. My oxygen is daily communion with Christ through the Bible and prayer. I need to protect my capacity for concentration there. From now on, I will blog on Friday afternoons only. Thanks for checking in at all.
Blogging is good. But my soul at rest in Christ is better.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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4 comments:
It's true what you say about technology. It can really help us stay in touch, but at the same time, take away from face to face interaction and spiritual disciplines. Looking forward to your Friday posts!
Hey Dr. Ortlund,
A great reminder to us all to keep our priorities aligned - God first, marriage second, children third, etc.
I must admit that I have been eating at this "table" regularly.
I know that Christ can use it for His glory even if it is every Friday! :o)
Thanks, Pastor!
Jeremy Daley
Augusta, GA
Thanks, Erin.
Jeremy, so good to hear from you! I miss you.
Why on earth do we feel the need to be available 100% of the time and at an instant anyway? Is it that it makes us feel important, or needed, or not lonely? Starting tomorrow Michael and I are turning off our phones and computers for a week. I'm interested to see how much more enjoyable our time is and how much more we relax and "have time" for prayer and meditation.
Thanks, Uncle Ray.
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