Solitude vs. Technology

"Welcome to your new addiction!", were the words of the young man that sold me my iphone this week.  Little did I know just how true those words would be.  The last 48 hours have been consumed with learning and experiencing this new world.  In addition, Steve updated my computer and I started a Facebook page and of course, I now blog.  Some would say that I have finally entered into the 21st century.  Is this a good thing?  As much as I love to explore Youtube, text to family members, discover old friends on Facebook, spill my heart on the Blog, I wonder just how much "solitude" this is robbing me of.  I suppose I can't use the word "robbing", as I am voluntarily turning it over to . . . . to whom?  I read a quote this week that caused me to pause;

I have an almost religious zeal . . . .

not for technology per se, but for the Internet

which is for me, the nervous system of

mother Earth,

which I see as a living creature, 

linking up.

7 Days ago I exchanged television, and 3 full meals a day for a time of solitude so that I could listen to the voice of the Lord.  5 days into that very precious time I began to let my attention

be diverted . . . . like a child moving from one distraction to the next; tired of one toy, so I look for another.  No, I am not going to blame all the options and distractions of technology on my loss of focus.  I am only disappointed in myself.  But I must say that I was well drawn into it before I realized what had happened.  How simple to leave and yet how difficult to stay true to solitude.  It goes against everything that is culturally relevant. 

Now I have given up everything else - 

I have found it to be the only way to really

know Christ and to experience the mighty power 

that brought Him back to life again, 

and to find out what it means to suffer and die

with Him.

So, whatever it takes, I will be one who lives in the fresh

newness of life of those who are alive from the dead.

Phil. 3:10,11

So . . . . "Linking Up" takes on a whole new meaning to me now.