Thrifty Thursday – Technology

I may sound like a broken record, but I really feel God calling us to live a simpler life. Not only that, but have conversations with people about living a more simple life. I feel a great way to start that conversation is here. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the direction Americans are going – with the “more is more” lifestyle. Please know that I am never saying that the way we live is the “right” way. Far from that. But I feel that there are certain questions that we can all think about, to challenge us, to challenge our way of life, and even challenge the way we view God’s design for our life.

I am really thankful for this downtime to read. I recently read a book called Better Off by Eric Brende. Very interesting book. I got it from the library (trying to utilize the option for “free books”) and read it in like 3 days. You know me, I took notes on it and am pumped to share some of the thoughts from the book with you! (Direct quotes will be in italics).

Technology.

Have you ever thought about:
How skill expands as the quantity of machines shrinks?
I remember when Dan and I were in Texas, we visited the Alamo and some of the architecture in the buildings was just incredible! I sometimes wonder what happened? What has happened to some of our skills? What if we all increased our skills, while the dependance on machine forcibly shrinks?

Trimming back the means until only the essentials remain? Whoa. What are the “essentials?” I can’t ever answer that for you – that is something between you and God. But what if? What if we all started to pray that?

By speeding through life with technology, you reduce what any given moment can hold. I am so guilty of this. I am a “git-er-done” type person and get it done fast. But what have I missed out on in life because I am speeding so fast through life? Dan is quite opposite of me – he is very good at taking in the moment; especially in nature. He has taught me so much about life through nature. I am thankful for him in that. Just yesterday an older gentleman was telling me a story about when he visited the Sea of Galilee. He mentioned how he had the opportunity to stand in where Jesus stood and how certain scripture, while standing there, means that much more when you realize your feet are where Jesus’ feet once were. He couldn’t help but tear up. I remember listening, but thinking “there are other people I have to help.” And yes, that was true, but at the same time, this man is pouring out his heart and experience to me, yet I have this thought of “hurry up.” For goodness sakes, Kristin! Take the time and listen! I do that WAY too often and I regret it!

Technology not only serves, but must be served. It takes energy, care, maintenance, and money. Think about the technology you have. How much energy does it take? How much care? How much maintenance? How much money? Often we buy technology because we think it’ll save us time and money – when in fact, I think it does quite the opposite.

Isn’t it interesting how technology can control us?
Have you ever realized that many flee to environments that are void of any technology (such as a cabin in the woods or an exotic beach), when in reality, we truly have the right and ability to create that type of environment in our own home? SO guilty of that! I remember when Dan and I rented a condo on the Atlantic Ocean on Fripp Island, SC. We chose that location because it was cheaper than a hotel for a week and the views of the ocean sounded so welcoming. I remember sitting on the couch, overlooking the ocean with dolphins swimming by, thinking “I wish I had this type of peacefulness in my own house.” Yeah, okay, no dolphins back in Michigan. BUT. I am in complete control over whether or not I create that type of environment in my own home. Why can’t I create “technology void” days or nights? Choices, choices, choices. I think there is joy in seeing more of the world that God created – but to solely have to go somewhere to get away from our own home, may be reason to rethink the way we live our everyday life.

Have you ever thought about how technology has consequences?
It’s so easy to get “stuck” on websites! If you aren’t on pinterest, don’t do it :). It’s addicting! So many great ideas – I love the idea of DIY. BUT. Do I spend more time looking at ideas than actually doing them? How about a tv program? What are you sacrificing in order to watch a certain program? Not that following a series a bad thing. We all watch NCIS Tuesday nights – it’s a family gathering after dinner. I used to really be into watching the Bachelor and Bachelorette. I remember Dan once challenged me on that show – if it was wholesome. He was honestly just picking on me, but I think he had a legit point. I have since stopped watching the show. By all means I am not saying that if you watch these shows, you are making a bad choice. Again, FAR FROM THAT. Just for ME, I decided it was not a healthy show for me to watch. It was a personal choice. Each choice has a consequence. What are yours?

Please don’t take what I am saying as right and wrong – these are purely just thoughts and questions to ponder. I am still working through them in my own life. I have not “arrived” so to speak. I am not saying that technology is wrong. I am sitting here typing on a laptop, if that gives you any idea as to how I feel about technology. Again, these are just thought-provoking ideas. If you get a chance, pick up this book. It is an excellent read that really makes you think about how technology has influenced our life.