Freedom

Free. That is such a lovely word. Anytime I see a sign pointing to free food, I make a break for it! Free. In our society these days we are always trying to get more for less. My mom has started buying loads of groceries using coupons and saving lots of money while getting more food. Each time I call her, I can always count on hearing how much more food she got for less than its listed price.

We do this when purchasing cars and homes as well. We make offers lower and try to talk people into giving us more for our money. Everywhere I look, people are trying to get more for what they have. Take a look at our daily lives. We each have 24 hours a day - thats it. But yet we have so many things going on that we cannot keep up. As a result, we use computers, cell phones, television, and other things to keep up with everyone and everything. These items allow us to do more for our time. And yes, this is great! It allows for many, many opportunities to open up. However, there is a point where it becomes too much.

As I was sitting at the Verge tonight, a person next to me had their cell phone out the entire time. During the songs, this person was texting; during the talk, this person was texting; during prayer, this person was texting. I was furious. We have allowed our technologically advanced, more for what we have society consume our being. We have allowed this society take the place of our relationship with God.

Tonight, I have been thinking a lot about how much I fail to make time for God. I have realized how much my cell phone, computer, and television get in the way of my relationship with God. I have been trying to get more of the wrong stuff for my time. So, starting Friday October 2nd, I will check my cell phone once at night for emergencies. I will check my email 3 times a day: morning, lunch, and evening. I would challenge each one who reads this to give this a try with me for one week. Friday morning to Saturday morning, October 10th. I want to stress one thing though. The time you would be texting, on the computer, or watching television, or whatever it may be for you, replace it by spending quality time with God, and furthering relationships with people you may not otherwise get to know. If you do decide to try this with me, please leave a comment so that I can pray for you through out the week.