Old Navy clothes just don’t last.

When iOS 12 comes out later this month, there will be a new feature that will tell me how long I’ve used my iPhone and how much time I’ve spent in each app. The data itself isn’t scary; the scary part is the fact that it will quantify something I minimize.

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time this year in deep thought over my digital usage. What devices do I use, how do I use them, and what benefit do I gain by them? Most of the time, I’m all “caught up” and am just mindlessly surfing. I’m reading news articles that aren’t worth the bytes they take up or I’m watching YouTube videos that aren’t sparking my imagination.

I recognize that I need to develop discipline in all areas of my life, and this is a major battlefield.

This isn’t just about me. I’m raising three kids in a digital world, where people, thoughts, and ideas can bypass me and speak directly to them. This isn’t about raising kids in a bubble. It’s Alison and I’s prerogative to raise our children the way we see fit, and we want them to be fully alive. This is about forming them as authentic human persons, with strong intellects, and a keen interest in the beauty of the world that they inhabit.

The digital world distracts and becomes a barrier between us. Not only that, the behaviors that I’m modeling for them don’t line up with the ideals that I want to impart to them.

So I’m putting my devices down. With few exceptions, when the children are awake, the computers will be asleep, the television will be off, and my phone will be on a shelf in the kitchen. I’ll grab it to log my food, text with Alison, FaceTime with family, and perhaps compose a haiku, but always with intentionality.

Many of us have made similar pledges and resolutions in the past, only to backslide. The great thing about my life is that I’m in control. I am master of my devices, and they serve at my pleasure. It’s not about the last play, it’s about the next play.

The first morning back on the walking trail is always the hardest

Just catching up on the word about Evernote. I’ve been a customer for 7+ years now. Hope I don’t have to find a new system!

I texted my sister-in-law a haiku at midnight the other day and have no recollection of typing it. I was off by one syllable, but I think I may have a gift.

A bit wet out there today.

Airport sunrise for the long journey home.

There’s a lot to the Christian life. We have a law that’s designed to guide us, to keep us truly free. The struggle, as with all change, is where the rubber meets the road. James tells me today to, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” I can’t pick and choose which parts of Christianity I’ll partake in and which parts I’ll let slip by. It’s a lifestyle, an all encompassing worldview that should shade my every decision.

Jesus makes clear His distain of those lukewarm souls who are neither indifferent nor on fire. I hope, by my actions, to not fall into that crowd, despite how easy it may be.

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

Second Reading: James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27

Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Finally listening to Ólafur Arnalds’ latest release, re:member. He’s my favorite modern classical composer and I found him thanks to Apple Music! 🎵

I remember a time when flight attendants were responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers. Now they’re butlers who push credit cards, responsible for mediating petty disputes between people.

There’s something romantic and whimsical about airport terminals.

What a great start to the day!

Good morning!

What would the Internet be like if we didn’t immediately assume the worst in everyone else?

How does an airline set a 50 minute delay on a 6am flight the night before at 9pm? Crew? Maintenance?

Clothes for little girls are so much fun.