Detox

I spent the last week detoxing.

Truly. I did.

My computer caught a virus and landed itself in the repair shop. So this past week entailed: no email, no blogging, no Facebook, no local or national news, no Microsoft Office, no nothing.

At first the withdrawal symptoms hit me quite hard, but once they had calmed, the computer detox was so cleansing.

Without my number one time user (dare, I say time waster?) in the house, I really think I was a better mom, a better wife, a better housekeeper...  not to mention a better phone caller, mail sorter, exerciser, discipliner, errand runner, and perhaps even a more diligent follower of Christ.

Sigh.

But, come on! Can the computer really be that bad?  Could its flashing blue light and peaceful hum really be so sinful?

Well, let me tell you, this week was way more convicting than that. Once I realized how much I could get done in a day without the distraction of the computer, the Holy Spirit further revealed the crux of the matter. It's not the computer. Really. It's not the computers fault. It's mine.

Don't we so often blame modern technology? Or our cars, commutes, or other people? Our circumstances? For sucking away all our free time? When really, it's not the computer that uses/wastes my time. It's me. KATHRYN. I'm the one that wastes my time. I'm the one that chooses to use spare moments for a quick Swagbucks search. Or a browse through Google Reader. Or a few moments on Facebook Scrabble. I do it. I choose it.

While none of those things are inherently wrong, (and I apologize to all those who sent emails, asked about upcoming Army events, or were waiting for information while my computer was being repaired), boy, part of me thinks my computer could have used a whole extra month in the repair shop. Without it, my days have been so much better. So much brighter. Even so much happier. My spare moments were used for things that really matter, like consistent discipline, a quiet prayer, a snuggle, not to mention a whole ton of little projects that I'd been putting off because "I just didn't have time."

Sigh.

This is not a farewell message to all my Internet colleagues. My home computer is a needed device. It is not only my connection with the outside world,  but also my means for driving directions, banking, news, weather, cooking tips, email, and maintaining friendships far and wide. But as I said, it's not really about the computer. It's about me. It's about being a good steward of my time and living each moment to the fullest, and living each one for Christ.