For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. Proverbs 5:21

Last week, I took somewhat of a media break. I logged out of Facebook, Twitter, and several other sites and determined to stick to business-only emails or those with time-sensitive material. You cannot imagine (or maybe you can) the peace of mind that I felt the morning after ‘unplugging.’

That first day, I was able to have a good Quiet Time in the Word without wondering who did what or went where or posted about this or that. I whizzed through my to-do list for the day, answered all my important emails swiftly and with extreme focus, and even had dinner hot and ready on the table when hubby came home. My mom was visiting that week, and we enjoyed some floor-play time with the kids, and we laughed and shared stories. Picture-perfect, list-done, happy home kind of day.

When the second morning rolled around, I planned for another smooth, quiet day free from distraction or disruptions, and was surprised to find it turn out that way. Chores done quickly, lesson plans made neatly, board meeting conducted smoothly. That evening, both of my boys lost a tooth. I felt a pang. My thumbs were itching to share this little tidbit of serendipitous news, and yet I held them back. “Next week,” I said to myself, calmly placing the cell phone back in its charging corner.

On the morning of the third day, all earth broke loose. Traffic was uncooperative, the store did not have what I needed, the kids did not nap during nap time, I was late picking up Mom from her conference, dinner would have to be take-out because the day was so far out of whack, and I had no one to share it with. Internet or none, my life was not meant to be mundane, nor was I meant to experience it quietly.

By the time my mom left my house at the end of that week, I do believe her ears were quite worn out from all my chattering about all the crazy things that were happening to me. I did pop online once or twice for very important things like a “Happy Anniversary” wish, and to RSVP to an upcoming event. I kept my email time within the few minutes I allowed myself and overall did very well.

But I missed my friends. I missed sharing all the funny things I saw during a trip downtown. I missed hearing about how everyone was spending their summer vacations. I could care less about the news, or celebrities, or celebrities in the news; I just wanted the fellowship and life-sharing back.

When my week of being offline was up, and I think I cut it short by one day (how can you keep track of time accurately when you’re unplugged?!), I had a clear perspective of what I really gained from using the internet: friendship. Simple and clear, that was what I gained from having all these email addresses, and sign-ons, and memberships. And I got to thinking . . .

God must miss us, too. When we get too busy to pray, when our Bible ends up at the bottom of the day’s stack, when we ‘unplug’ from Him and decide to do things our way.

The LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9

For the LORD delights in his people; Psalms 149:4

He delights in the prayers of the upright. Proverbs 15:8

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take? Job 31:4

There is no creature hidden from His sight, Hebrews 4:13

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

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