If I said to you “For one year, you cannot use your phone, the computer, listen to music or watch TV” what would be your response? It stresses me out to even ask that question. I am sure that most people would be in the same boat. I would guess that most of us are dependent on technology in one way or another. Maybe it is the occasional scroll right before bed or checking the latest news first thing in the morning. I know I was terrible
about feeling like I needed to be connected at all times. Working as the Chief Nursing Officer at a hospital, I had to be available 24/7. I had two phones and two computers and was always checking something. When I wasn’t working, I enjoyed listening to music and watching movies on my electronic devices.
All that changed in my first year of seminary, which is called the Spirituality Year. It is not like a typical year of school. It is a year where we are called to abide with the Lord and grow our relationship with Him and the other seminarians. Most of our time is spent praying, reading, bonding with other seminarians and growing in our love of Christ.
It is also a year that is free from distractions. In the Spirituality Year, we are on what is called a media fast. We do not have smart phones (we are allowed to use a flip phone to call family on weekends). We are also not allowed to use computers, listen to music, watch TV or watch movies. We also have a commerce fast which means we are not allowed to go shopping or spend money during the week. On the weekends, we are allowed to do some of these things but in moderation. This silence opens us up to hear the Lord better.
I never really noticed how distracted everyone around me was. It is sad to see how many people can't carry on a simple conversation at dinner without needing to check their phone or shoot someone a quick text. We have lost the ability to just have a good conversation with each other. I am not saying that I am now an expert or have no issues with my phone, but I am getting better. Now, I often find myself leaving my phone behind or leaving it on silent most of the day. Not being attached has been really liberating for me. I have more time to spend with others and more time to grow in my faith. I wish everyone could have a year free from the burden of electronics,
but I know that would be nearly impossible.
This is my challenge to you: silence the phone or better yet, leave it behind. At dinner, make sure everyone has their phones and smart watches put away and turn off the TV. Talk about your day with your family and/or friends with no distractions. Talk to your family about how the Lord has blessed you throughout the day. Together, thank God for all the blessings throughout the week. It will be hard at first, but you will see the benefits almost immediately. Scripture tells us that God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. Getting away from the distractions and noise of technology and media will help us learn to listen for that gentle whisper.
Peace,
Seminarian Jarrad Condreay