My husband's favorite author is Wendell Berry. Periodically, he will ask me to read an excerpt from one of his books or an essay. On Saturday, he asked me to read this essay: http://home.btconnect.com/tipiglen/berrynot.html The essay is titled "Why I am NOT going to buy a Computer".
Though you may disagree with his decision to not buy a computer, his 9 standards of whether or not to purchase a technological innovation are worthy of contemplation. My favorite is number 9. I think the computer and social networking often hinder our relationships and our ability to be present mind, soul, and body with the ones around us. We can be so distracted by what we may (or may not be) missing on the world wide web that we don't pay attention to what's right in front of us. I often mention the book Distracted and the ideas that Maggie Jackson articulated which I'd already been feeling about how distracted we are because of all of the technology in our lives.
My husband and I have been discussing this essay for the past two days. So, this morning I began a chart. Here it is:
Lower Tech Higher Tech
Prepaid, simple cell phone Blackberry
Phone call Text message
Desktop computer iPad
Books Kindle/Nook
CDs iPod
Books on CD Car DVD player
Videos Cable TV
Cable (which we've discontinued) Apple TV
Clover--Let it go Trugreen, or similar lawn service
Small house Big house/lots of space
Board games Video Games
Walking/Running/Hiking Gym membership
I want to seek to choose the Lower Tech way as much as possible. I want to choose to be physical and engaged with people. I want to use less electricity and more of my brain. I have felt a growing emptiness inside over the past year and I feel that it is due to a growing desire in my heart to escape what makes me upset. I run to the computer to do that. I don't think turning off the computer entirely is the answer. The problem is my heart and where I place my own worth and what I value. I need to accept the struggles in life and trust God with my weariness.
Each item on this list is something that matters to me. My husband and I are such intentional people that each item has been consciously chosen over the years.
We went to the prepaid cell phones to cut down on a bill.
I don't carry a cell phone, so texting has never become a part of my life.
I don't want to be connected to the internet wherever I go via an iPad.
I love the feel of books in my hands and the ability to write with a pencil in them. I love to pick them up and set them down.
We try to minimize how much our children watch on tv, so a DVD player in the car would be contrary to that goal. I know from many friends that they love them, but we would rather have them choose to talk to each other, listen to a book on tape, or read.
We decided to get rid of our cable 2 months ago when the montly fee went up. I haven't regretted the decision. On Friday, my husband impulsively wanted to purchase an Apple TV device. I said okay, but with misgivings. I was very thankful when he came home without it and we were able to talk about it. We both agreed it isn't something we want to bring into our home.
We live in an area where many people live in big houses. We live in the part of the county that many people look down on. I need to not worry about how they see the area I live in. I know that it is what God has provided for us and it is easy to lose sight of the huge blessing that it is! Truly I am thankful for our home, but I get caught like everyone else comparing my life to others. Yet, those comparisons are never fair or true.
My husband is about to discontinue his gym membership. His preference is to get outside and run rather than to drive (and use gas) to go to a gym and run on a treadmill (and use more electricity).
Speaking of which ...1 minute pause to put my son's shoes on him... I need to go be present with my family. I hope you enjoy Berry's essay if you get a chance to read it!
Showing posts with label wasting time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wasting time. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wasting Time
I began writing another entry when I was struck that what it was really about was wasting time, which made me reflect back on my past few days.
Yesterday, I was sitting with another mom outside my daughter's ballet class talking about homeschooling and commitments. I have to admit this--at that moment I was having a great day and felt such peace about God helping me learn to cut things out and simplify. My husband's schedule has been crazy lately and instead of packing it fully like I have in the past, I chose to simplify and make our lives less stressful rather than more.
The beginning of her conversation began with her asking me how I seemed so calm and how I was able to juggle 3 young kids. I told her very humbly that I am in a good place right now. I was enjoying that moment in my life and the peace that God has given me amidst my husband's busy life. But, I said that very humbly as I explained to her that just the day before we'd gone on a field trip to Longwood Gardens. On the way home, we went for a free 45 minute tour of the Herr's Potato Chip factory (which was wonderful). We also needed to go buy grain. That was where it all started to break down. My younger two started getting a little more disobedient at the Amish store. Then, unfortunately, I made the choice (due to rising gas prices) to squeeze in one more errand. We made (what I thought was only going to be a half hour detour) to a store I'd been looking forward to visiting. It was a debacle! My choice... my poor choice led to 1 hour and 45 minutes of struggle. We only spent 20 disappointing minutes in the store, where I didn't find anything I was looking for, and then headed for home. As I drove home on Wednesday, I knew what I'd done wrong. My trip was fruitless. I had wasted time and stressed my kids (and myself!) out.
What should I have done? Not made that last errand. The visit to the Amish store wasn't great, but it was doable. The last errand, though, was over the top.
I don't think I'm alone in this. We look at our days and think to ourselves either "I can fit that in." or "I need to do this today." (when it's really a want, not a need) or "It will only take a minute."
Last week, I felt I needed to try and say "no" to myself more and "yes" to my family. I've done pretty well with cutting back on my computer time. But, I didn't do so well on Wednesday when I decided to make that one last errand. I know life is a work in progress. Sometimes we make the right choices and sometimes we don't.
When we pursue something that is more than we can handle, it is a blessing when God says simply "no". Sometimes that "no" looks like rejection. Sometimes it is simply a door that never opens.
I was just talking with a friend on the phone about our time. She reminded me of something she deeply appreciates about Wendell Berry's writings. She explained to me that he reminds her that she has a choice--she has a choice about what she is going to do. She isn't required to send an email. She can choose to send a written letter instead. I can choose to grow a garden and spend time outside each day. Or I can choose to stay inside and do my vegetable picking at the store. Both are viable options. But, one involves more life. One is more active. One will give me more satisfaction. The other will not.
Sometimes it's hard seeing ahead of time what is going to be a waste of our time. I think that making a checklist for our day can be helpful to setting priorities. Something else that I really need to do is to allow more time for an activity--rather than less when I am planning out our day. Invariably, I am rushing the kids out the door as we try to make it to an activity "just in time" and not be late.
Today, I probably shouldn't have spent my afternoon the way I did. I have spent far too long on this computer and on the internet. So, it is time for me to get off.
Yesterday, I was sitting with another mom outside my daughter's ballet class talking about homeschooling and commitments. I have to admit this--at that moment I was having a great day and felt such peace about God helping me learn to cut things out and simplify. My husband's schedule has been crazy lately and instead of packing it fully like I have in the past, I chose to simplify and make our lives less stressful rather than more.
The beginning of her conversation began with her asking me how I seemed so calm and how I was able to juggle 3 young kids. I told her very humbly that I am in a good place right now. I was enjoying that moment in my life and the peace that God has given me amidst my husband's busy life. But, I said that very humbly as I explained to her that just the day before we'd gone on a field trip to Longwood Gardens. On the way home, we went for a free 45 minute tour of the Herr's Potato Chip factory (which was wonderful). We also needed to go buy grain. That was where it all started to break down. My younger two started getting a little more disobedient at the Amish store. Then, unfortunately, I made the choice (due to rising gas prices) to squeeze in one more errand. We made (what I thought was only going to be a half hour detour) to a store I'd been looking forward to visiting. It was a debacle! My choice... my poor choice led to 1 hour and 45 minutes of struggle. We only spent 20 disappointing minutes in the store, where I didn't find anything I was looking for, and then headed for home. As I drove home on Wednesday, I knew what I'd done wrong. My trip was fruitless. I had wasted time and stressed my kids (and myself!) out.
What should I have done? Not made that last errand. The visit to the Amish store wasn't great, but it was doable. The last errand, though, was over the top.
I don't think I'm alone in this. We look at our days and think to ourselves either "I can fit that in." or "I need to do this today." (when it's really a want, not a need) or "It will only take a minute."
Last week, I felt I needed to try and say "no" to myself more and "yes" to my family. I've done pretty well with cutting back on my computer time. But, I didn't do so well on Wednesday when I decided to make that one last errand. I know life is a work in progress. Sometimes we make the right choices and sometimes we don't.
When we pursue something that is more than we can handle, it is a blessing when God says simply "no". Sometimes that "no" looks like rejection. Sometimes it is simply a door that never opens.
I was just talking with a friend on the phone about our time. She reminded me of something she deeply appreciates about Wendell Berry's writings. She explained to me that he reminds her that she has a choice--she has a choice about what she is going to do. She isn't required to send an email. She can choose to send a written letter instead. I can choose to grow a garden and spend time outside each day. Or I can choose to stay inside and do my vegetable picking at the store. Both are viable options. But, one involves more life. One is more active. One will give me more satisfaction. The other will not.
Sometimes it's hard seeing ahead of time what is going to be a waste of our time. I think that making a checklist for our day can be helpful to setting priorities. Something else that I really need to do is to allow more time for an activity--rather than less when I am planning out our day. Invariably, I am rushing the kids out the door as we try to make it to an activity "just in time" and not be late.
Today, I probably shouldn't have spent my afternoon the way I did. I have spent far too long on this computer and on the internet. So, it is time for me to get off.
Wasting Time
I began writing another entry when I was struck that what it was really about was wasting time. When we pursue something that is more than we can handle, it is a blessing when God says simply "no". Sometimes that "no" looks like rejection. Sometimes it is simply a door that never opens.
Yesterday, I was sitting with another mom outside my daughter's ballet class talking about homeschooling and commitments. I have to admit this--at that moment I was having a great day and felt such peace about God helping me learn to cut things out and simplify. My husband's schedule has been crazy lately and instead of packing it fully like I have in the past, I chose to simplify and make our lives less stressful rather than more.
The beginning of her conversation began with her asking me how I seemed so calm and how I was able to juggle 3 young kids. I told her very humbly that I am in a good place right now. I was enjoying that moment in my life and the peace that God has given me amidst my husband's busy life. But, I said that very humbly as I explained to her that just the day before we'd gone on a field trip to Longwood Gardens. On the way home, we went for a free 45 minute tour of the Herr's Potato Chip factory (which was wonderful). We also needed to go buy grain. That was where it all started to break down. My younger two started getting a little more disobedient at the Amish store. Then, unfortunately, I made the choice (due to rising gas prices) to squeeze in one more errand. We made (what I thought was only going to be a half hour detour) to a store I'd been looking forward to visiting. It was a debacle! My choice... my poor choice led to 1 hour and 45 minutes of struggle. We only spent 20 disappointing minutes in the store, where I didn't find anything I was looking for, and then headed for home. As I drove home on Wednesday, I knew what I'd done wrong. My trip was fruitless. I had wasted time and stressed my kids (and myself!) out.
What should I have done? Not made that last errand. The visit to the Amish store wasn't great, but it was doable. The last errand, though, was over the top.
I don't think I'm alone in this. We look at our days and think to ourselves either "I can fit that in." or "I need to do this today." (when it's really a want, not a need) or "It will only take a minute."
Last week, I felt I needed to try and say "no" to myself more and "yes" to my family. I've done pretty well with cutting back on my computer time. But, I didn't do so well on Wednesday when I decided to make that one last errand. I know life is a work in progress. Sometimes we make the right choices and sometimes we don't.
I was just talking with a friend on the phone about our time. She reminded me of something she deeply appreciates about Wendell Berry's writings. She explained to me that he reminds her that she has a choice--she has a choice about what she is going to do. She isn't required to send an email. She can choose to send a written letter instead. I can choose to grow a garden and spend time outside each day. Or I can choose to stay inside and do my vegetable picking at the store. Both are viable options. But, one involves more life. One is more active. One will give me more satisfaction. The other will not.
Sometimes it's hard seeing ahead of time what is going to be a waste of our time. I think that making a checklist for our day can be helpful to setting priorities. Something else that I really need to do is to allow more time for an activity--rather than less when I am planning out our day. Invariably, I am rushing the kids out the door as we try to make it to an activity "just in time" and not be late.
Today, I probably shouldn't have spent my afternoon the way I did. I have spent far too long on this computer and on the internet. So, it is time for me to get off.
Yesterday, I was sitting with another mom outside my daughter's ballet class talking about homeschooling and commitments. I have to admit this--at that moment I was having a great day and felt such peace about God helping me learn to cut things out and simplify. My husband's schedule has been crazy lately and instead of packing it fully like I have in the past, I chose to simplify and make our lives less stressful rather than more.
The beginning of her conversation began with her asking me how I seemed so calm and how I was able to juggle 3 young kids. I told her very humbly that I am in a good place right now. I was enjoying that moment in my life and the peace that God has given me amidst my husband's busy life. But, I said that very humbly as I explained to her that just the day before we'd gone on a field trip to Longwood Gardens. On the way home, we went for a free 45 minute tour of the Herr's Potato Chip factory (which was wonderful). We also needed to go buy grain. That was where it all started to break down. My younger two started getting a little more disobedient at the Amish store. Then, unfortunately, I made the choice (due to rising gas prices) to squeeze in one more errand. We made (what I thought was only going to be a half hour detour) to a store I'd been looking forward to visiting. It was a debacle! My choice... my poor choice led to 1 hour and 45 minutes of struggle. We only spent 20 disappointing minutes in the store, where I didn't find anything I was looking for, and then headed for home. As I drove home on Wednesday, I knew what I'd done wrong. My trip was fruitless. I had wasted time and stressed my kids (and myself!) out.
What should I have done? Not made that last errand. The visit to the Amish store wasn't great, but it was doable. The last errand, though, was over the top.
I don't think I'm alone in this. We look at our days and think to ourselves either "I can fit that in." or "I need to do this today." (when it's really a want, not a need) or "It will only take a minute."
Last week, I felt I needed to try and say "no" to myself more and "yes" to my family. I've done pretty well with cutting back on my computer time. But, I didn't do so well on Wednesday when I decided to make that one last errand. I know life is a work in progress. Sometimes we make the right choices and sometimes we don't.
I was just talking with a friend on the phone about our time. She reminded me of something she deeply appreciates about Wendell Berry's writings. She explained to me that he reminds her that she has a choice--she has a choice about what she is going to do. She isn't required to send an email. She can choose to send a written letter instead. I can choose to grow a garden and spend time outside each day. Or I can choose to stay inside and do my vegetable picking at the store. Both are viable options. But, one involves more life. One is more active. One will give me more satisfaction. The other will not.
Sometimes it's hard seeing ahead of time what is going to be a waste of our time. I think that making a checklist for our day can be helpful to setting priorities. Something else that I really need to do is to allow more time for an activity--rather than less when I am planning out our day. Invariably, I am rushing the kids out the door as we try to make it to an activity "just in time" and not be late.
Today, I probably shouldn't have spent my afternoon the way I did. I have spent far too long on this computer and on the internet. So, it is time for me to get off.
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