Unplugged But Connected
A few years ago a tradition was born amongst friends. Every year around Valentine’s Day the 8 of us do something together and the spouses alternate on the planning. What started as a homemade dinner at someone’s house has now escalated into a weekend getaway in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. And yes it’s the ladies’ turn to plan this year which means us guys are really needing to step up our game next year. We’re prepared to and believe it or not already have a plan in place. Impressive I know!
Back to this year…
As I’m writing, I’m sitting next to a fire outside a cabin in the middle of the woods. I’m writing old school on a legal pad with pen. Taking in my surroundings, it’s evident that God is good! It’s easy to lose sight of that amazing truth in the hustle and bustle of life but the woods have a way of bringing it all back into perspective. In the quiet stillness is where God tends to speak the loudest but quiet stillness is so hard to find. In the quiet stillness there’s vulnerability and accessibility that can make things a little uncomfortable for an avoider like me. It’s much easier to hide amidst the crowds and noise or numb my brain in a device.
So this weekend in the woods I’ve taken advantage of the present to go off the grid for a few days, to turn off my phone and turn on the email auto-reply. I’ve reminded myself that I’m no one’s savior just a regular dude who gets worn down like everyone else and it’s vital to unplug and connect to what matters most. Connect to God, my wife, and my friends and not take myself to seriously. Heck, I’ve even cracked open a few cold beers and enjoyed getting a fresh perspective on life and relationships by listening to the experiences of people I trust. Like live and in person in lawn chairs just sitting around a fire.
The only planned event for the entire weekend is a 3-hour mandatory quiet time to spend alone or with your spouse to take a nap or share quality time together. Yes please! No phone, no schedule, not anywhere to be.
It’s important to work hard and serve the Lord but I’m realizing more and more that it’s even more important to be with the Lord and enjoy life. Take time to have fun with the people you love because that’s where the memories are made.
In a few days we’ll be headed back to Dallas and everything will be waiting just like we left. I’m sure I’ll be ready to get back after it. But the woods have offered a reminder to give it my all from the Lord not just working my tail off for the Lord. There’s a big difference.
My takeaway from a weekend off the grid: Relationships take time and attention but worth every minute. Whether it’s our spouse, our friends, or God; depth, trust, and love happen through shared experience and doing life. Thank you, ladies, for a much needed weekend to unplug and connect!