I turned the corner to see a large marquee against the bright blue sky – with an industrial blend of bold black letters calling to all patrons of the fast food chain:
Do you have our App? It’s rewarding.
I sipped on a fresh sweet tea with just a touch of lemon, and pointed my steering wheel toward the office, just like so many other weekday mornings. But the sign grabbed my attention, and as many times as I stop for a breakfast bowl, a garden salad, or a large tea, the perks would probably add up.
But even after all these days of driving past, I still haven’t downloaded the app.
I could say it’s because I’ve forgotten, or haven’t taken time to do it yet, but honestly, I think the reason goes much deeper than that. And, yes, I know – we’re only talking about a silly fast food app here, but the truth is, in a modern culture where the next big thing always lies just beyond our fingertips – Or so say the onslaught of high-level marketing schemes – just one more thing can be overwhelming.
And I simply don’t want to download, log into, and keep track of another app.
At least, not right now. 🙂
A friend and I were recently talking about the volume of information that comes our way on any given day, and the effect it has on our mental energy as we absorb thousands of tiny details, often without even realizing it.
And it’s not only fast food apps that stir those small pangs of anxiety from time to time.
I find this especially true in regard to choices that relate to career growth, personal development, and the pursuit of next steps in life.
Maybe you’ve noticed the possibilities are endless?
If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to become so distracted by the tools available to us that we slow progress of what actually needs to be done, and more times than I care to admit, I’ve been lured into exclusive webinars, free online courses, special offers, and the urgent, “get it before the doors close” mentality.
From eBooks to social media, from advertisements to email, and even normal, everyday conversations, there’s a steady stream of input, and often more options than we can handle for the way we spend our time, pursue our calling, and live out these ordinary lives.
Many of them are very valuable.
But not all of them are good for me right now.
As my friend and I talked, I began to consider that maybe the struggle is less about technology though, and more about focus. Less about a saturated marketplace and more about having a streamlined vision for where we are, and where we want to go.
I just came in from a walk before settling down with my computer to type out these lines, and even though I live in the South, leaves are letting loose and falling to the ground in soft shades of yellow and red, against bright patches of green grass still boasting their summer color, and it makes me think of Ecclesiastes 3:1.
To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven
This verse reminds me that life is a delicate balance of holding on, letting go, and learning to say no.
It might seem unrelated to the topic of information overload, but what if considering our season and life stage is exactly what we need to do when there are an overwhelming variety of choices, methods and strategies that make us want to take a long, deep breath?
What if it’s time to narrow down what we value in order to filter out the distractions that aren’t going to get us there?
I know the world tells us we must act fast, or miss the opportunity of a lifetime, but nature teaches us the beauty of letting go, paring down, and making room to walk in step with our calling.
God’s design gives us permission to walk slow, consider our season, and simply choose one thing at a time.
One step. One movement. One focus that makes sense for a right now life.
And then, we can let all the other voices slowly fade away, and not feel guilty about blocking them out.
Because when the time is right, new opportunities will be born.
But for now, it’s okay to press delete, click unsubscribe, or pay for our food without having the app.
What simple and beautiful advice! This was so eloquently written, and it richly blessed me today!
Thank you Sis. Misty! You’re blog today is just what the Great Physician ordered for me today! I, too, have been realizing something about the technology of today. First, it’s good and quick for paying bills, making travel arrangements, ordering delivery or take out, etc but can short-change relationships. There’s no ability through texting to give or get a hug or get a true picture of a person in their surroundings or situations or conditions, just words. Video calls are better than nothing for a few moments but not to live on. As humans we’ve really reduced our physical presence interactions and thereby reducing our effectiveness to truly reach one another to comfort and build up and affirm love, acceptance, being wanted by way of hugs and presence. Looking eye to eye and heart to heart. In building anything, one must have the right tools but also know how and when to use them. Thank you lovely lady for today.
Oh Misty. I know I’m “late” reading this but really it’s perfect timing. You put into words the very things that have been rumbling around in my heart. Thank you!
What we all need more of is quiet, deep breaths and walks asking the leaves (or raindrops or snow…).
Bless you!