Thought 1

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.      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...