I love to write, but rarely do I write for others. This blog is yet to have an identity or even
a vision. In fact, it will be a modge-podge that will highlight those magical
days when, in all of my thoughts, there is one worth sharing.
Thought #1 comes with conviction. While receiving an email informing me that I
had left my notebook in the restroom of school (will multitasking I'm afraid), running into a child while
sending an email on my way to an appointment, and being the person that annoys
even myself at a stoplight because I was reading the latest tweets, I have
decided to discipline myself in knowing when to put down the screen! For an Instructional Technology Facilitator
this thought is not only uncommon, but difficult. In fact, I have spent several years teaching
students about cell phone etiquette and now I’m realizing that I too am guilty
of my screen gazing habits. Could it be
true that in every minute of my day I am in view of a screen, and that in the process
of multi-tasking, there is “real tangible life” that I am missing? First,
let me clarify, I will gladly continue to connect with friends, family,
teachers, and students via email, twitter, facebook, pinterest, instagram, google
hang outs, and now blog. However, I will
strive to take the following steps in the midst of my fun and wonderful multitasking
world:
1.
I will remember that the reason I love working
in schools is RELATIONSHIPS. Eye
contact and listening will be number 1 priority. Derived from James 1:19, I will strive to be “quick
to listen, slow to speak, and slow to
become angry.” Focusing my attention on my relationship with others rather than on the next to do.
2.
When something “cute” “powerful” or “innovative”
occurs, I may snap the picture, but I will enjoy the moment and tweet the
evidence later. Thinking of the witty
line to accompany my tweet will no longer be a process taken during the moment
that is so worth tweeting.
3.
I will eat dinner without my phone. How blessed I am to have wonderful food on
the table and husband/friends to share it with.
After a busy day, the dinner table will be a time of face to face genuine
connection and laughter. That pressing
email will wait the 30 minutes it takes me to digest. (I know that my friends with small children are
thinking, “you just wait until dinner is spent chasing kids and picking up
thrown food and sippy cups – I’ll cross that bridge when I get there :) don't worry I have not lost all concept of reality).
4. I will go outside. I will continue to go to the park, jog, and enjoy getting away from the screen and into the sun.
4. I will go outside. I will continue to go to the park, jog, and enjoy getting away from the screen and into the sun.
4.
My last thought before bed will not be derived from
social media. Each day is a gift full of
so many wonderful opportunities, that I
want to think on those when my head hits the pillow. I want to remember and be grateful for all of the Lord's grace shown to me that day. "Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good; his love is endures forever." -1 Chronicles 16:34
I love my job and the people I work with maybe more than
anyone in the world, therefore in no way will I be less connected in my pursuit
to discipline myself, but I feel in discipline, I will be a better teacher,
co-worker, wife, friend, sister,
neighbor. It won't be easy, but worth it. Just a thought...
