Time For Drastic Measures

Really?

Seriously?

Are you kidding me?


A few months I was asked to join an online book club to read a book called "7" by Jen Hatmaker.  I was excited to read this book.  I had heard nothing but good about it.  In "7" Jen talks about getting rid of excess.  While I did not take as drastic measures as Jen does in the book, I did evaluate my life and belongings and get rid of some things.


We came to the chapter that talks about media.  Okay.  No problem.  I don't watch tv, well not very often.  I do like older shows like I Love Lucy, The Waltons, shows like that.  So occasionally I will watch older shows.  But I really don't watch tv hardly ever.  I would be perfectly happy, ecstatic really, to get rid of both of our tvs.  But God was stirring me about something else I did spend time with, a lot of time with.  My computer.


While I don't watch tv, I do get on my computer a lot.  We jokingly called my laptop "Big Red."  I was spending too much time playing games.  I only play two games, Words With Friends and some silly little bubble pop game, but I enjoy them and spend a lot of time playing them.  I check Facebook and Twitter.  Honestly, the updates don't come up as often as I was checking them.  And then there is Pinterest.  If you are on Pinterest, you know that there is no such thing as quickly checking Pinterest.  So during this time reading "7" I decided it was time to change things.  Shut the computer down more often and spend more time with God and my family.  I was more careful about how much time I spent on it.


For awhile.

Then I went right back to the old ways.  More scrolling through what people were doing and new decorating/craft/recipe ideas.  We come home, I flip on the computer.  After dinner, I flip on the computer.  I rushed through many tasks, just so I could sit back down with my computer.


I hadn't listened to God and He decided to take drastic measures.


I went to get my computer one morning this week and a bottle of water had somehow been knocked over in the night and leaked out.  The tiny stream of water made its way to my computer.  In a panic I hit the circle button that should bring "Big Red" to life.  Nothing.


It was the tiniest of trickles of water.  It was not over the top, did not get inside from all we can tell.  How is it that the computer will not come on!?


God nudges me.


I told you to not let this little device rule everything.  I told you to spend more time offline.  I told you to spend more time with Me.


Okay, God.  I get it.  Really I do.


God desires time with us.  Just because I had my quiet time in the morning doesn't mean He is done with me for the day.  He desires that connection with us throughout the day as well.  We need to spend time, strong quality time, with our families.  I closely monitor how much time my kids spend on their computer and kindle with a timer so why is okay for me to be on mine for endless hours a day?  It's not.


God was trying to teach me and I didn't listen.  Now I am reduced to an older, slower desktop computer that kills my back as I sit here. My Big Red is gone, but what upset me more is all my precious files that are now gone.  But I have learned my lesson.  There are times to unplug and be with God and family.  Times to take walks in the neighborhood, have heart to hearts with my children, play games, listen to my daughter practice piano, watch my sons play ball or just sit and enjoy being in the presence of God.


Is God trying to get your attention about something?  Are you paying attention?  Listen closely and obey fully.  Just like we do with our kids, don't make God take drastic measures with you.

Sweet Blessings~

Linking With:Faith Filled Friday