I continue to have conversations and read about parents who are struggling to be aware and knowledgeable about the use of technology and social media. There are no easy solutions. Parents and adults must look for information and learn about computers, phones, and their potential for good and evil.

Young people are growing up today with computers and smartphones. They are intelligent and they learn fast. Nonetheless, teenagers rarely have enough of the experience and wisdom that is needed in order to avoid some all dangers. We hear stories of young people being manipulated or bullied by others. We see our children attached to their phones or video games to the point of being completely distracted and unaware of their surroundings.

I know professionals who are required to use every technological means available in order to be effective at their jobs. They also use some of those tools for their personal, social life. But, some of them have revealed that they take a “day of rest” when they do not use technology at all. They “fast” from the technology in order to pay attention to their health, their families, their relationships, etc. These are successful people who are good at their jobs and their lives in general. They have learned something important. Parents, children, and families can learn from them. We, too, must rest and allow our minds and bodies to recover and restore themselves from the demands of the use of technology.

“On the seventh day, God rested.” We are invited, even commanded, to keep holy the Sabbath day. We participate at Mass. We pray. We play. We pay attention to family – parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, etc. We are to rest in order that, by the grace of God, we may be prepared to live holy lives.

So, I ask the question: why not rest from the things that absorb and require so much attention – technology? Why not rest so that we can nourish ourselves in every healthy way? Put the phones, iPads, and tablets away. Shut the computers and phones off. Do not be ruled and dominated by technology. “Come to me and I will give you, rest,” says the Lord.

 Peace, Fr. Andy