Heading into internship, I knew that we would be given a digital detox. I didn’t know what that would look like entirely, but it turned out to be super helpful!
During registration, we installed an app on our phones to block non-essential notifications and uses. It helped eliminate distractions, but we still had to use our phones for communication as we often dispersed into smaller groups for service projects. While I understand the need to be accessible to my leaders, I found having my phone an unexpected burden. Partially because it’s just another thing to keep track of, but mostly because of the temptation for personal use.
I felt like my friends and family would be mad at me for not responding to their text messages when they found out I had my phone on me. Something I had to pray through was realizing that God has placed us each in specific places for a reason. My loved ones have work to do and people to serve at home. I have similar responsibilities here – a calling to live out. We each have our own mission, and that’s beautiful.
Jesus has been teaching me that my relationships can grow more through being present than trying to please everyone at once. When I get back home, I can’t wait to share all the amazing stories with my folks. But for now, I have a team that needs my support and who are so willing to support me.
Since that week of service ended, first time interns like me have turned our phones in completely. The energy that immediately hit us was amazing! It feels like part of our brains that were always running, making white noise, were just turned off. I have more headspace to think clearly, to observe my surroundings and notice my team’s health, to be more prayerful.
It feels so refreshing to look around our group at the airport and see a group of young people not glued to technology. Heads are up! Conversations are fruitful and constructive. Our friendships are more genuine. There is so much health that has come from this, spiritually and physically, but I think if I were to communicate it in one phrase it would be this: turning off distractions turned on worship.
Being present with the people around me has made every moment holy. I know it will change my relationships back home for the better, too, as I have learned to say no to the world that wants my attention for the person in front of me who needs it. It’s difficult to not be able to share every moment with you all, but I praise God because He is strengthening my love for all of you. If you miss me, lean into His presence – and lean into the people around you! We’re all united by His love <3