I went on summer vacation with my family and, for the first time, stayed off-grid, unplugged from work and social media. Crazy, right?
Here’s what I was reminded of and learned from my online hiatus in the mountains…
Lesson 1: I loved it!
I was present and in the moment with family & the Lord like never before. It was awesome. Plain and simple.
Sure, I snapped a few photos here and there to remember and celebrate at a later date. However, it was so good to be authentically in the moment and not feel like it had to be shared with anyone else, at least not right then and there.
Many times there were no pictures taken at all. The memories are that much more vivid in the hearts and minds of those who experienced it in real time.
Lesson 2: It’s okay.
I stayed off-line and, I’ll admit it, it took some getting used to.
After all, “If it happened and no one posted online about it, did it really happen?”
Some won’t get this. Some may even be a little suspicious of what the deal is with someone who dares to not make just about everything about their vacation public knowledge. My advice? Do it anyway. Those that truly know and love you will get it and be fine with it.
It’s also okay to keep sharing.
This goes without saying. Posting on social media has long been a part of the joy of sharing life with extended family and friends who aren’t there. It’s just how an emerging generation communicates. They simply don’t know life any other way.
Good leaders recognize this reality and choose to meet people where they live, virtually or not. This reality is increasing exponentially over time. For more about this and a little different take on things, check out https://careynieuwhof.com/what-i-learned-from-my-social-media-fast/.
Lesson 3: I am needed, but not necessary.
The world, the church, family and friends all went on without me. This is a healthy, humbling perspective for all of us to have. Call it a reality-check.
Besides, if we have surrounded ourselves with great leaders, everything can and should keep moving forward well in our temporary absence.
I really did miss connecting online & sharing with other family and friends! I also wondered what was going on at church, especially among the lead team. Still, both of these had a way of drawing me to prayer for these same people all the more.
As it turns out, they were all still there, still doing life and work, some were on their own vacations. They were still posting and sharing the latest happenings. All I had to do was jump back into the virtual stream to catch up.
Lesson 4: I’m better for it.
I’m rested. I’m recharged. I’m reset and ready for what the Lord has next. I truly felt like I got away from it all. Isn’t that what the principle of the Sabbath is all about? Isn’t that what “getting away from it all” is for? I’m glad I finally got the memo and chose to experience a little bit of life off-line.
I highly recommending unplugged vacations and even going off-grid for some strategic days, events and moments.
Plan on it and plan for it. Let those that need to know, know, and then trust the Lord and them with everything else.
It may be hard to imagine life without play-by-play commentary as you live it. However, maybe you will discover that it’s worth it every once in a while.
I dare you.
Live life a little more off-grid and a little more in the moment.
What are your thoughts on living and leading off-grid? Share your insights in the comment section below!
tompelt.wordpress.com 