Day Thirty-Five

There are days that I am grateful for technology and days that I wish I could disconnect from the world.
Being in constant contact with anyone and everyone has positive and negative impacts in my life.
For instance, when my dad was having open-heart surgery and we spent days upon days at the hospital, all the texts, phone calls, and facebook messages helped curb the feeling of isolation.  (Positive)
When I am alone in my car, I tend to default to calling someone instead of cranking up my worship music and talking to God. (Negative)
When I am alone in my car, I can call my best sister-friend who lives eight hours away and catch up.  (Positive)
When my kids are ready to be picked up, they can instantly reach me.  (Negative - Just kidding... sort of)

But tonight, I was very grateful for technology for two reasons:
1.  Sam's Geometery teacher (also a best friend) text me to let me know that Sam made a 97 on his first major test in her class!  If you remember this post, you know that is such a victory for him!
2.  Sam found himself in an awkward social situation this evening.  He was able to text me for help getting out of it.  It was low-key, so he did not feel "un-cool" and I could be the "bad guy".

So while in some ways I envy a dear friend who has no cellular device, I suppose for now I will continue to use mine.  However, I do pray that I know when to turn it off and focus on more important things in my life.  I suppose that is true with all technology.  Wasn't it Paul who said that all things were permissible but not all things were profitable?  He goes on to say that he "will not be mastered by anything."  (1 Corinthians 6:12)  As much enjoyment as I get from photography, food, the computer, blogs, boards, etc.  I long to not be mastered by anything but God.  Praying the same for you this morning.