Be where your feet are! These words are easy to say, but so hard to live. I am never really absorbed in the moment, but always thinking about other things. I measure success by productivity. While I am not a people pleaser, I do not want to disappoint people. I feel the need to always respond to the emails and messages. Technology is a wonderful thing, but it is a dangerous thing also. We live in a society where we expect immediate responses. Our phones are attached to our hands and wrists as if at any time the world may come to an end and we need to know about it. We would prefer to mindlessly scroll through social media rather than have a conversation with the person sitting across the table. I really believe the Enemy uses the distraction of technology as a very powerful tool.
The truth is I didn’t mind Soy wasting hours watching a movie with the girls because I needed to finish work anyways. I knew it was Friday night and we were spending time as a family, but what if the person was mad at me for not immediately responding to the email. However, 95% of the emails and messages could have waited—absolutely no emergencies—but I responded anyways.
In October 2023, the emails, the messages, the need to complete every to-do list fell by the wayside. The shortness of life became a harsh reality. I made a promise to draw boundaries in my life so my girls would know they are my priority. I had to make the choice to cook supper (cooking is a very loose term), sit at the table and talk, “waste” time doing nothing with my girls.
Because here is what I do know—my girls are my first ministry. I only have a few more years with them in my home. God is graciously allowing me to be part of their spiritual story. He is trusting me to help mold their tender hearts.
So I do not respond to text messages in a timely manner. I do not respond to emails on the weekends or at night. Most of the time my phone is lost or dead. I do not get on social media. And yet, the world continues to revolve just fine. Every problem is eventually solved.
I have been much more intent on the tools used by Satan to shift my focus. Being Present. Saying “No”. Drawing Clear Boundaries. Guarding My Time.
(Please Note: Saying no and drawing boundaries does not mean we say no to church. My family is faithful to church. Youth camps, Sunday School, Serving Others—Automatic Yes)
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
Shining Light Abroad Ministries 