Monday November 8, 2010
We drove for forty-five minutes to get there. The boys piled from the van, armed with books, magazines, games, and fishing gear.
“First dibs on the hammock,” cried one.
“I get it next,” another cried.
One son turned to another. “Come on. Let’s get the kayaks out.”
We couldn’t help but smile. Technology left behind, the boys soaked in the simpler life. And it lasted all day! Not once did we hear, “I can’t believe there’s no TV” or “No signal up here?”
Every year when we stay with family in New York state, a half hour from the big city, we take a day to visit the bungalow. Perched on a reservoir, it’s an oasis in the middle of a very busy, very connected area. At the relatives’ house, they have cell phones and a game system, but the unconnected, technology-free bungalow always beckons. So we set off on the drive to escape the connectedness of life. And something wonderful happens.
We find ourselves more connected than ever before. To nature. To the Creator. To each other.
In keeping with my theme this month, I’m thankful for those memories of a simpler time. Those recollections endure for all of us, and they lure us back. As I sit here in my living room and remember the joy of those simple moments, I can turn off the television. I can back away from the computer. I can take a walk.
As I recall the blessing of simple times, I remember how to be more connected than ever to what really matters.
What about you? Is there a simple time you look forward to, a time you're thankful for -- one that anchors you and reminds you to simplify?
Linking up today with High Calling Blogs.
We drove for forty-five minutes to get there. The boys piled from the van, armed with books, magazines, games, and fishing gear.
“First dibs on the hammock,” cried one.
“I get it next,” another cried.
One son turned to another. “Come on. Let’s get the kayaks out.”
We couldn’t help but smile. Technology left behind, the boys soaked in the simpler life. And it lasted all day! Not once did we hear, “I can’t believe there’s no TV” or “No signal up here?”
Every year when we stay with family in New York state, a half hour from the big city, we take a day to visit the bungalow. Perched on a reservoir, it’s an oasis in the middle of a very busy, very connected area. At the relatives’ house, they have cell phones and a game system, but the unconnected, technology-free bungalow always beckons. So we set off on the drive to escape the connectedness of life. And something wonderful happens.
We find ourselves more connected than ever before. To nature. To the Creator. To each other.
In keeping with my theme this month, I’m thankful for those memories of a simpler time. Those recollections endure for all of us, and they lure us back. As I sit here in my living room and remember the joy of those simple moments, I can turn off the television. I can back away from the computer. I can take a walk.
As I recall the blessing of simple times, I remember how to be more connected than ever to what really matters.
What about you? Is there a simple time you look forward to, a time you're thankful for -- one that anchors you and reminds you to simplify?
Linking up today with High Calling Blogs.
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9 comments:
I think we all hunger for simple. Often the first moments of the morning, reading my Bible, closing my eyes and holding hands with God, takes me to a quiet, simple place. thanks for reminding me of that, Laura and appreciating that type of moment in life.
So true! Many of our get-away spots have no connectivity and we love it. But I also steal a few minutes every morning with my devotional and that helps fuel me for my day. Great reminders-- and I'm thankful that you've shared them!
Oh yes. I love times like that. Times without the noise of technology. What a great reminder!
We are beach people. We just moved from San Diego (where I am originally from), and before that Hawaii. Very simple things, the very first things God created, help us connect, and leave behind everything. The sea, the sand, the fish. Aaahh but the time that I cherish is the time with my husband. The 10-30 minutes we spend immediately after the kids have gone to bed, recounting our days, sitting face to face, no technology, no media, is priceless.
Thanks for the reminder of how getting back to nature can bring out the pleasure, satisfaction, and rightness of living a simpler life.
I'm also a beach person. Walking along the shore, lifting my face to the wind, tasting the salty spray on my lips, and hearing the constant roar of the wild waves always anchors me and settles my ever-churning mind.It's at moments like these that I know (again) that so much which consumes my time, energy and thoughts is unnecessary.
Laura,
Yes, the simple times call to me daily.
I love being outside with my kids. It reminds me of my childhood when there wasn't a mile long to-do list waiting, and my only worry was when I would be forced to return to the house.
I love my simple cup of tea every day. :)
My husband and I were just talking about this the other day. I love camping! Sleeping in a tent on a blow up mattress and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire! I can't wait to start taking the kids!!
For us Camping is out retreat from all of technology. It has been really hard to do this with all my children lately because my youngest son does not tolerate it. Hopefully soon he will be able too. I find it amazing how content the children are and how much they discover just by being a part of nature for a week.
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