Why am I in such a hurry?

I am currently reading a book that just came out entitled “Weird.” The title caught my eye, or maybe it was the subtitle, “Because Normal Isn’t Working.” The author, Craig Groeschel, talks about how effective we are at managing several areas of our lives. Those include time, money, relationships, sex and values. I just finished reading the first section on time management. Groeschel compares what is “normal” today and what it would be like to be “weird.” One statement in the first chapter that hit me is “normal is busy and getting busier.” He says that “the answer isn’t more time but a greater awareness of the time we have.” Are you – am I – aware of the time we have?

Several years ago, we could disconnect from work and other responsibilities. We had no choice. We had no cell phones or “devices.” Now we are connected 24/7. Last week, I went to the workout room in our neighborhood and jumped on the treadmill. I engaged in a conversation with the guy on the treadmill next to me as I noticed he was working his device. I asked if he was doing some office work while working out. He confessed that he was addicted to Facebook. That led to a good conversation about social media and technology and how it can dominate our lives. The need to be “online” and “connected” is now the new normal. Having your device as an extension of your right hand is the new normal. I like “The Message” rendering of Romans 12:2. “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.” Slow down. Unplug. Focus on the One who made you. Be weird.