This week, I listened to a teaching about the epidemic of distraction we currently have in our culture. Did you know that after nine seconds, people lose interest in what they are reading or watching? That means, in just the time it took you to read this opening, I may have already lost you!
With the rise of the internet and social media, our ability to focus has diminished drastically over the past few decades. Think about it – we went from reading books that were hundreds of pages long to scanning 280-character tweets.
On top of that, video has overtaken the written word as we mindlessly scroll through reels and stories on our phones. While there are many benefits to technology, I think we’d agree that there are also some downsides.
I wrote a blog during my “Parenting for Purpose” days about how kids today do not know how to use their imagination. They’re constantly on the go with schedules filled to the brim, leaving no time to just be.
Boredom is to be avoided at all costs.
This greatly diminishes their ability to be creative, to work problems out on their own, to daydream. But it’s not just kids, it’s adults as well.
When was the last time you just sat in silence – did nothing but focus on your surroundings or let your mind wander to contemplate the magnificence of God’s creation?
I suspect, if you’re like me, it’s been a minute.
Rest. In the Bible, it was called the Sabbath and on that day, no work was to be done. It was a day to worship, to lay aside responsibilities and let your mind, body, and spirit take a breather. Our Father in heaven thought this to be so important, that He made a commandment out of it.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God.” (Exodus 20:8-10).
Now, we know that God did not take a nap on the seventh day after He created the whole world and man. Unlike us mere mortals, He does not get tired and need a two-week vacation to the tropics.
But He knew we would need this rest. He also knew that in the 21st century, we’d need it even more given the busyness of our lives. Yet, look at what He does for those who honor this day – He blesses it! Wowee!
“For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” (Exodus 20:11 NKJV)
How cool is that? When we take time to spend with God, whether that’s walking in nature, reading His Word, going to church – that time is blessed.
When I was a child, Sunday was set aside for church and family dinner. (I can still taste the roast beef, gravy, and mashed potatoes my Mom would whip up!) No stores were open. Nobody worked. It was a day for family, to reconnect with those we love.
For many people, their day of rest cannot be on a Sunday. I don’t think that matters to God. I think if we build in a little “Sunday” into every day and dedicate even a few minutes to Him, He’s pleased. What parent wouldn’t be happy if their children spent time with them every day. I know I would!
This week, I’d like to encourage you to take a break from “reeling” and instead, create a little Sabbath time every day – even if it is only a minute.
Your body, mind, and your spirit will be happy you did!
P.S. If you’ve forgotten how to dream or are seeking God’s purpose for your life, watch or listen to the Elevate The Day Podcast, “Dare To Dream.”