Am I the only one who wants to trade in my smartphone for a regular rotary dial land line?

It seems that the invention of this one-stop device has changed social norms and quickened the pace of society. We no longer wait to get home to check our answering machine. Yes, I said answering machine. We are now expected to pick up calls as we go, and if by awful chance we miss a call, we are held to the standard of returning the call the moment we retrieve the message. Texting has become the new communication norm and a response in less that a few minutes is construed as rude and dismissive.

We are now expected to multitask everything and every moment. Our cell phones rest on our night stand, so we check it right before going to bed and first thing in the morning. This little device gives us the news, weather, keeps us connected to family and friends, sends us work emails and gives us endless access to the World Wide Web.

I miss the slower pace of the 80’s and 90’s. Now I’m sounding old. We have become a society who’s minds are so constantly engrossed with “something ” that we miss the present. Did you notice the leaves budding this spring, or did you just happen to realize one day that the trees are no longer naked?

Simply put, we are just too busy.

One of the lessons I’ve had to learn during my recovery is to slow down. What I didn’t realize was that this lesson was priceless. There is power in being present. Being present in each moment and focusing on the matter at hand, even if it was just trying to walk a little further. Being present while eating, for instance, not reading emails, or even watching the news, just focusing on the plate before me to tackle the challenge of eating one fork full at a time was necessary. The benefit? I gained such great joy from each bite. I could actually enjoy the taste, and the sensation of a grape tomato popping in my mouth.

Prior to my hospitalization, I was moving so fast I missed the beauty that can be found in each moment. God provides such joy for us each day, but we’ve got to slow down long enough to appreciate it.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28–30 MSG