Offline

 by Macy Johnson

“He who pursues righteousness and love

finds life, prosperity and honor.”

(Proverbs 21:21 NIV)

 

I pulled our camper into Georgia’s State Park at Florence Marina on Lake Eufaula. Arriving near the Alabama state line I felt like I was lost in space, hovering between time zones. My cell phone received signals from a tower in Central Time (Alabama), while I stood in Eastern Time (Georgia). The camper’s clock said 3:00 pm and my phone said 2:00 pm. Both times were correct.

 

My cell phone’s hotspot was not close enough to a tower to provide a strong wi-fi signal for my computer. I resigned to accept my foolish dependence on technology, namely the internet. Only God’s presence could help me trust Him to make it through this camping trip offline and stress-free.

 

I complain when human connections via technology are pulled away from me, but I know it is for the best. If I believe the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 “that in all things God works for the good” in my life, I should not be surprised at sudden detours away from media into quiet solitude.

 

Nothing can compare to a quiet, cool morning visit with my Lord inside or outside the camper, or on a stroll through the campground in the late afternoon. Squirrels and birds welcome me to their neighborhood to visit with their Creator. I would be foolish to ignore their presence and not bask in the beauty around me.  

 

Noisy construction vehicles claimed our road recently to finish paving which was started months ago. My agitated mind wanted to escape the confines of my compound, but my heavenly Father reminded me to be still and know He is in charge. He sets me free from my self-constructed prisons.

 

I will stay online with my Lord today. I hope you will, too!