How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?

I suppose I work to not have to unplug, as I set up disciplines ahead of time to keep that from happening. Now, I’m certainly not perfect, and there have been many times that I’ve had to purposefully unplug from electronics because it all just got too much. But those particular times taught me so much and have helped me to develop routines that shield me better from having to “make myself unplug.”

The disciplines that help me to live a life of unplugging would be not letting that so I’ll media, texting or internet browsing be the first thing I grab ahold of in the mornings or the last thing I am consumed with before I sleep. I’d like to say that about the phone itself, but the only reason I do have it in hand at these times is I’m opening up my Bible app to read Scriptures to begin and end my day with the right frame of mind.

No matter if you consider yourself “a religious person” or not, reading Scripture can bring encouragement, strength, clarity and peace. Making a habit of reading Scripture brings these things into your heart and mind on a consistent basis, and as you repeat this over and over, it becomes part of your lifestyle. A lifestyle of reading Scriptures can surely change you from the inside out.

Now, let me give just a bit of clarity here. Some read scriptures, and you never really see a change in the way they talk or the way they live. And this would be because they never apply what they read to their lives. That’s no different than if you’re learning the English language by reading a textbook, and you never take what you’re reading and apply it to your language. This is what I call having head knowledge but no heart knowledge.

However, if you’ll read those scriptures and apply them, you’ll be amazed at what a transformed human you can become! When you let those Scriptures permeate the depths of your heart, and you begin to live out what you’re reading, you’ll not only be the one impacted, but those around you will also begin seeing a difference, and you’ll have the opportunity to help them change as well.

Another key discipline for my life of being unplugged is “being present where you are.” Too many people live their lives missing what is right there in front of them because they are constantly looking toward their tomorrows or always dwelling on their past. You’ll miss the beautiful people and endless possibilities if you don’t live presently where you are. I love the quote, “Wherever you are, be all there.” – Jim Elliott. I don’t know anything about that man, but he his statement hold so much truth.

And this doesn’t mean you never assess your past or plan for your future. These things are important and a must if you are to go forward in life. But if you’re not present in today, you can very well miss the healing of a past wouldn’t, neglect to see a promise for tomorrow, and become blind to the beautiful miracles of relationships traveling along either you.

I have several key disciplines, but I’ll only choose three today to save boredom of a too lengthy post… so, the last discipline world be to be intentional in whatever I’m doing or wherever I’m going or with whomever I’m with. I can defiantly attest that I’ve not mastered this nor even achieved it well from time to time. However, I am intentionally engaging everyday to get better at it. When I’m with someone, I try to be intentional with what I say, how I act, why I respond a certain way. When I’m carrying out a task I work hard to be intentional in its completion not just to finish it but to complete it with a spirit of excellence. And when I’m out in nature, taking a drive, or simply walking down the hall to another coworkers’ office, I attempt to be more intentional than I was “the last time.”

I don’t want to look at a waterfall the same way I have every time and risk the chance of growing bored with my awesome Creator’s creation. I don’t want to drive along some of the same backroads and grow apathetic to the beauty that surrounds me simply because “I’ve been there before.” And I never ever want to take for granted someone who has been in my life for a day or a decade because after all, we’re none guaranteed the next breath, and everyone has value, and I want me last effect to be an admirable, memorable one.

And when I’ve failed at these disciplines, and I’ve blogged too long, typed too long on social media with old and new friends, or simply scrolled the internet too long with mind numbing scrolling powers, I shake my head, repent of my apathy, and out that electronic device. I step outside into the bright sunshine and go find a more productive way to spend my hours.

I encourage anyone who might be reading this to do the same. Set the electronics aside, step outside and breathe the fresh air. Do what my husband and I call, “getting off the pavement”: go somewhere where there’s trees, waterfalls, dessert valleys, rolling hills, the ocean tide, or majestic mountains. Move beyond your day to day routines and experience something more. Grab that hand of someone you love and look deep into their eyes and remember why you fell in love the first time. Wrap your arms around your child, grandchild or even a parent or grandparent, and remind them of your love and your desire to be present in their todays and their tomorrows.

You’ll be so thankful that you did!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:33-34