The Day Without a Computer

The title of this post sounds like a horror movie. But maybe not the way you think.

My first thought when I don’t have some piece of “essential” information (e.g., where can I buy Cheerwine?) always involves silicon and a screen. In fact, my life has gotten to the point that it orbits some sort of technology all the time.

And that’s where I find some horror. If I’m honest, I’ll tell you that most days computers see my face more than my family. That bothers me—a lot.

Granted, most of my work involves hunching over a keyboard, pounding out words. I love words, love how they can make much beauty out of something so simple as letters fitted together.

But I love my family more.

So, I’ve started taking a day off the computer each week (usually Sunday). I really can’t take credit for this stroke of obvious genius, since my wife started it, but the impact has been amazing. For one thing, my stress level plummets when I’m not under the purview of my computer-master. If I don’t take a day off, I notice my irritability rising—probably because my inbox is never zero.

Also, I savor the days when I’m not caught in the endless Wikipedia link-loop (you know what I mean). Time passes much more slowly. Considering how quickly my girls grow up, I’ll take all the time I can get with them.

No computer means a focused connection with my wife—rather than the 7 billion other people on Facebook and Twitter. I love social media, but sometimes I just want to focus on her.

Finally, I’ve found that just about anything can take my eyes off God. Being able to put something aside for a day without being reduced to withdrawal symptoms shows me that He still takes priority. (Frankly, not using a computer can challenge me here, as the temptation to dive back in is pretty strong.)

Take a day off each week. You’ll enjoy the break.