It’s been five days now since I set my phone to “Do Not Disturb.” I can only get notifications from immediate family members. It’s been amazing! I took some time off of work and wanted peace and quiet. I have been checking my notifications a couple of times a day, when I want to, instead of having a constant battle for my attention.

I’m likely to leave that setting that way. It occurs to me that none of us have any right to demand or expect 24-hours access into each others lives and that is essentially what notifications are. Obviously, that doesn’t mean our families shouldn’t be able to get in touch with us quickly in today’s state of technology.

Breaking free of the digital chains that unknowingly bound me is a great experience. While it may make me a little harder to get in touch with, or make me seem more aloof than I already appear to be, that’s going to be quite alright. Peace of mind and being focused on what is actually important has far more value than knowing the latest location a Russian bomb was dropped at the exact same time as everyone else.

I also know the value of being able to respond quickly to customers or potential customers. I know that this plays a vital role in gorwing a business. But is “growing a business” what is most valuable to you? Many people I know work hard to provide for their family. What a shame to let the means become the end at neglect of those around us, and possibly our own spiritual and physical health.

Just a few thoughts from a man enjoying God’s great outdoors with most of his family. God bless you all!