Unplugged: What Really Happens When We Turn Off Our Phones

Last weekend, my family and I took some time out for a well-needed vacation to the Black Hills of South Dakota. We spent three days hiking through thick stands of pine trees in the Black Hills National Forest, shopping and eating at fun little downtown shops and restaurants, and soaking up lots of love and laughter along the way. It was the perfect get-away to enjoy the beauty of God's creation and unplug from the craziness of everyday life.

But I have a teensie-weensie confession to make. I still blush to think of my initial reaction to the circumstances! Our first night at the hotel, our perfect vacation hit a minor bump in the road when we realized that we had limited Wi-Fi access and absolutely NO CELL SERVICE. I had always thought that should the occasion present itself, I could easily get through a day without checking social media or having Internet access. But boy, did my heart ever sink when I realized that I couldn't log my daily Instagram time! I promptly spent the next hour and a half running Wi-Fi diagnostics and switching over from my phone to my laptop and then switching back again... Hoping against hope that I would swing an Internet connection and be on my way. But that just didn't happen. I was completely and utterly UNPLUGGED. And I HATED it.

But as usual, God knew best. He knew what my heart needed most that weekend and although it was hard to step away from my phone completely, He showed me the beauty of a life lived unplugged.

For the first time since coming home for the summer, I felt like I was really able to connect with my family in a deep and intimate way. I was reminded of all their strange but endearing quirks, their love for laughter, their strong faith in our Creator God, and the power of our love for one another. It was amazing. Instead of sitting in front of our phone screens, we spent time with one another... Sharing jokes, stories, and new experiences.

While being unplugged, I was reminded of the countless blessings that this world has to offer. I enjoyed being outside, soaking up plenty of sunshine and listening to the wind gently blowing through the pines. I tried my hand at decorating a piece of pottery and spent several hours painting and creating something beautifully messy that I can be proud of. I spent time writing, recording the thoughts of my heart and words I believe God wants me to share with the world. Once again, instead of spending time in front of a screen, I was invited to more fully explore the gifts God has given me.

Finally, I was reminded of how much I love my Abba, my Heavenly Father, and my Creator. Sister, we truly have an AWESOME God on our side and being unplugged opened my eyes to see all the ways, both big and small, that He is working in your life and mine. Being unplugged forced me to come face-to-face with my spiritual shortcomings, and by realizing the places where I was falling short, I was able to pinpoint ways to find renewed spiritual fulfillment and healing. I witnessed firsthand how God can take a bump in the road and turn it into a pathway for restoration.

So wherever you are and whatever you are doing, take a moment to unplug. Turn off your phone, close your eyes, and listen for the voice of our Heavenly Father; ever so gently calling you to a life of prayer, rest, and spiritual healing. Tune out the noises of this world and discover the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, drawing you closer to the people, the things, and the God you love most.

#seekingbeauty #selfcare #gratefulheart #joy #creation #blessings #family #lettinggo