Need a Time Out?
Lately, I have really been thinking of how much I need an "adult time out." I need someone to take everything away from me, instruct me to go sit in a quiet space and think about what I've done. I would imagine I'm not alone in this feeling. I have decided that it wouldn't be hard to surrender my phone. At certain times of the day, I realize how much it consumes my attention. In a recent day of airline travel, I had worked about 5 good minutes to squeeze myself and all of my luggage into the nice, compact restroom box. At that moment, I realized I might not be sad if my phone fell in the toilet. I imagined the waterslide force of the automatic flusher would guarantee the lightning speed departure of my i-phone! I do believe we have hit an all-time low as a society when "knowing someone's business" in the stall next to you means hearing his/her entire cell phone conversation from beginning to end. We don't try to interrupt the person's conversation; however, we have no control over the automatic timing of that "flush." Thus, we leave the airport restroom more anxious than when we entered!
In the last several days, I have been more intentional about spending less time on my phone. I have been amazed at what I have found. Recently, I sat in the National Tire Battery waiting area with Carolyn and Harold. For the 3 of us, the wait was much longer than anticipated. All of our cell phones were simply going crazy. In every phone call, it was clear the person on the other end did not need for us to be sitting in a waiting area at NTB for one more second. Suddenly, in a moment of chaos, Harold announced how the movie playing in the waiting area depicted real life with the words, "It never quite turns out like you expected." His one sentence became more important than any of our phones. His one sentence started a conversation about raising children, the challenges of our own lives, the challenges of our nation and the presence of Christ in our darkest moments. We talked and laughed for several glorious minutes. When my car was ready, Harold said, "It feels so good to be in community with one another." We only gathered our phones to put our names in the notes section. It was a conversation we didn't want to forget.
The next morning, I sat at breakfast with my daughter in a hotel we visit often. Donna, the waitress at our table, began talking about her desires to step out of her comfort zone and return to school. Her willingness to share what was on her heart became more important than any of our phones. Together, we talked about a good "plan" for her. Together, we discussed her life and the presence of God, woven into the tapestry of her dream. It was a dream she shared with two people who simply listened. The conversation ended with Donna announcing, "By the time you see me again, I will be registered for school!" This was a conversation we would all remember.
A few days ago, Ruben walked up to me at the grocery store and said, "Excuse me, my wife is very ill. May I ask you a question?" His question became more important than my phone. I learned his wife suffered from a stomach infection, and the doctor requested ginger to help with her symptoms. Together, Ruben and I talked about the healing power of ginger, how much ginger to use and a store in our area that could help him further. I learned that Ruben was on staff at a local church. In a God-filled moment, Ruben shook my hand and encouraged me to come by his church if I ever needed anything. It was a conversation both of us will remember.
When we lose technology, what can we possibly find? We find God. We find community. We begin thinking more about those around us and helping them in the process. Every day, we have the opportunity to experience an "adult time out." Our "adult time out" is a time of stillness. It is one's time with God. Sometimes, time outs are moments of complete solitude. Sometimes, I believe our time outs take place when we are in community with one another. I am learning that this time can unfold in beautiful, unexpected ways, in unexpected places with amazing people. Put your phone away. Allow your mind to be still. Think about your life. Think about those around you. How can you love them? How can you help them? Your Almighty Father will gently whisper when your "time-out is over."
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