Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!
I have a confession to make Father:
I’m a chronic multitasker.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been one of those people who delights in doing several things at the same time. My brain tends to work on overdrive most of the time, processing stimuli from a number of different directions all at once and reacting accordingly. Combine that with the amazing array of smartphones, tablets, personal organizers and computers that pervade my world, and I spend quite a bit of my day on overload. And while it’s been a useful condition over the years for dealing with a rapidly moving business environment, I’ve come to realize that in many cases my predilection for multitasking is not only problematic, but can be unhealthy as well…
I have significant problems with insomnia.
I get frustrated easily when things around me don’t “keep up”.
I suffer from high blood pressure and hypertension.
My patience with others can become very limited.
I find that when I don’t accomplish as much as I expected to, it leads to feelings of self-doubt.
Thankfully Father, with Your help I’ve been making some headway in controlling this side of my persona. By deliberately choosing to focus my attention on one project at a time, and listening to Your Voice for guidance all the while, I find I actually achieve more and at the same time gain the strength and peace of Your Presence as well. I’ve also been doing some things to “disconnect” myself from the high-speed world around me such as…
Limiting my smartphone usage to emergencies and family needs only outside of working hours (this has been a difficult change for me).
Not spending time logged into Facebook, Twitter or social networking sites when I’m home in the evenings.
Going for long walks in the woods, along the shore, or other places where I can dwell in Your Abundance.
Spending quiet time in prayer, studying Scripture or reading other Christian-focused books.
Taking time out of the workday for a Stillness Sabbatical now and again.
Writing out these conversations we have each day.
While I realize that we live in a world that emphasizes constant connectivity and productivity Lord, I’m finding that as my Walk with You progresses my time spent in simpler pursuits is far more satisfying. I’m not planning on finding a cave and becoming a hermit mind You, but I am enjoying the balance and clarity that comes from “unplugging” from the world, and “plugging” into You. 🙂
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
With all the things going on around us, we do have to make a conscious choice to be still in God’s presence. And while it may that we are going against nature to be still, it is well worth the effort. Great post!
We do indeed need to make it a conscious decision to slow down, and to intentionally reconnect with the Father Lisa. Funny enough, while it’s difficult to start “disconnecting” from the world, at least for me, I always find amazing peace in the experience.
Have a Blessed Day!
Always such wise words from you, Phil. Being still is not easy for me…I have to practice it as a spiritual discipline. But it is worth it!
Thank you Alida, I do as well. And you’re right, it’s SOOO worth it! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Great post, Phil. It’s amazing that when we stayed plugged into Him…the things that NEED to get done get done. I am planning on taking one of these stillness sabatical when I return from my trip. I need to unplug. Thanks.
I’ve found that as well Eileen, or at the very least it helps me realize that the world’s priorities aren’t necessarily His. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I truly enjoyed your post,thanks for reminding us to slow down. Time spent with our Father is worth it all. Have a wonderful evening.
Thank you Pat, and welcome! It’s funny actually, the more time I spend in the Presence of our Heavenly Father, the easier it becomes to slow down. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
With the world today, we are always “connected.” I like knowing what is going on in my family and friends lives through social media. I like the encouragement I get when family or friends post a scripture, song or praise report. I like being connected. But being connected to God is far more important than connecting to the world. I enjoy time, especially out in nature, when I am ONLY connected to God. My morning jogs are part of that. I do take my cell with me but only because my kids are at home and may need me. They know to call not text me in the event they need me so at all my fb, email and texting beeps, I can ignore the cell and keep on jogging and praying. And I only answer my daughter’s special ringtone. Great post Phil!
I agree Jenifer… I love the connectivity with our families and friends as well, not to mention getting the opportunity to interact and grow with fellow believers such as yourself. What I’ve found though, is that the constant connections to things of the world can sometimes distract us from hearing God’s Voice as clearly as when those other “noises” are silenced. Therefore, I’ve been working on “unplugging” from the world more regularly, and finding the stillness I need to best hear His whispers on my heart.
Have a Blessed Day!
Great ideas! I’ve been unplugging too. Not spending so much time on Facebook, internet, etc. Spending the time with the family, church, and Him!
Exactly Allison… I’m not running away from the world, but making conscious decisions to put aside all those external connections more regularly to focus on my family and His Presence in my life.
Have a Blessed Day!
Like your post. Being ‘plugged into Jesus” is the most important thing a person can do. I enjoy my quiet time with Him. I just thank Him that He is there when I need Him.
Blessings to you.
Amen Deane! Those times of Stillness are so revitalizing!
Have a Blessed Day!
As we discussed the times of our lives and our busy schedules, I have finally been able to do this ‘unplugging’ on a regular basis. The ability to shut down, watch, learn, listen, and live has been a long and hard battle. To be able to do this is an accomplishment in itself. Once a day I find mostly towards the ending of my day is my ‘Sabbatical’ time. The breathe is awesome. Enjoy your time you only live physically for a limited time, spiritually is the most awesome way to go. Thanks.
I’m so glad you’re finding that respite as well Dy. It makes everything else so much more satisfying!
Have a Blessed Day!
Unplugging is something God has convicted me of too Phil. All of the technology in our lives draws us away from the truly important things in life. Great post!
It does indeed Tresa. I love the connectedness modern communications provides us, but have found that it’s very much a double edged sword.
Have a Blessed Day!
You have some very practical advice here, Phil. This week and the coming weeks with my life upside-down with helping my daughter with twins, I am discovering new freedom in NOT being tied down to the almighty to-do list. strange, loose feeling but light, airy and wonderful too. But of course not as productive either. Enjoyed your thoughts as usual
There really is some freedom in not being “tethered” all the time, isn’t there Jean? 🙂 Your new grandchildren are beautiful!
Have a Blessed Day!