[a technology-free childhood]
Unfortunately, everything is plugged in these days. There are cameras on every corner. I see babies handling iPhones and elementary school students utilizing 3D printers with impressive efficiency.
When I was their age, I was outside playing four-square with my friends until the sun went down. I spent hours at the playground—on swings, merry-go-rounds, slides, and see-saws. Those were good times. You didn’t need money to have fun, unless we wanted to grab some candy from a nearby store. We went to football games, summer and winter festivals, baseball fields. We rode our bikes across town. We explored forests on foot. We were outdoorsy, active children.
Of course, we too used technology—but it was different. It was limited. We watched cartoons on Saturday mornings. We listened to the radio. We played video games now and then and even chatted online with school friends once we were teens. But cell phones weren’t in every hand like today. In fact, it was a big deal if someone had one at all—and even then, they weren’t used daily. Beepers, maybe, but even that was more of an adult thing.
I guess I’m sounding “old,” but it’s true: things had more balance back then. Life felt more free. We weren’t being tracked everywhere we went. We paid with cash. It was simpler—maybe even more hopeful. More human.
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and turmoil with it.” —Proverbs 15:16
I must say, I miss those days sometimes. But I also believe in looking forward and living in the now, even if things have changed in ways that feel unpleasant. After all, there are good things about technology, too. Like writing this blog about God. Like having access to online Bible studies and tools, or being able to video chat with loved ones too far to visit. That’s the beauty of it: God can use all things—even the digital age—for His glory.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” —Romans 8:28
It just takes a change in perspective—a fresh outlook. Even though children today won’t know the world the way I did, I’ll never know what it was like to grow up in my grandmother’s time either. The truth is, time evolves us all. And we must keep moving forward if we’re to fulfill what God has placed us on this earth to do.
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1
So yes, things are different now. But the God who watched over me in those analog years is the same God watching over us today. And He never changes.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” —Hebrews 13:8
See you tomorrow. <3
I pray many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many blessings over you!
xxoxoxoxoo
Rosalyn Rose