Radio Silence

I used to love the show, Alias. Still do, really, but it went downhill in later seasons. But those first couple of seasons-- wow!-- they were incredible. Aside from the occasional racy outfit, the predicaments and feats of Sydney Bristow were cliff-hangingly delightful.

At certain points, when Sydney was facing a dangerous point in a mission, she'd go "radio silent". Maybe she didn't want to be detected by enemies, maybe she needed full concentration, or maybe the radio transmitter would interfere with the mission at hand. Whatever the case, for a period of time, she'd turn off her earpiece and her microphone and just do what she needed to do.

In my own effort to give full concentration to the job at hand, I'm sensing that I need to turn off the communications for a while and enter a time of "radio silence" with Making Home.

There's a lot I'm learning and growing in... and I want to learn and grow more. I'm 29, ya know? (Though, to be truthful, I only have about 4-5 more weeks I can say that.) :) There's this awesome man I get to hang out with and serve and love and grow with, and I don't want to be distracted by technology. There's raising, training, and schooling these four wild and wonderful kiddos... and I want to do that well. I have a funny little recently-weaned 18-month-old who needs some training and lovins. There are incredible books I want to read... most of all, the central book of my life: God's Word.

I don't want to get to the point where everything becomes related to an online world. I don't ever want my kiddos to think that computer interactions are the most significant in my life. And I just need to exercise some good ole' self-discipline. And I guess, to relate this all to Sydney & her crazy wigs, I don't want these optional (often even helpful) transmissions and communications to interfere with the task I've been given to do in this period of time.

Please don't take this as a judgment on anyone else, or on you, or even on me a year ago or me a year from now. For years, I've read other people's "I need to step away" blogposts and message board comments and seen that as a portion of their own personal journey. This is mine... for now.

I don't know how long this season will last, but I am certain that don't want to contribute to "noise" or just put more opinions out there. I don't want to be a resounding gong or spend time creating unnecessary yokes for others. If and when I write, I want the things I say to *last*-- to have meaningful, biblical, practical helps for the people who read them-- to hold up over the course of time and not just be a flash-in-the-pan perspective based on personal or cultural ideas-- and to communicate both love and truth. In recent days, I've gone back through old posts and deleted many. I've tried to whittle down Making Home to more of a central message/theme in hopes that those who continue to read here will be encouraged and challenged to follow Christ.

As Anton Ego says on "Ratatouille", "You know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well-seasoned perspective."

For this next "season", I need to shut off the communications, gain some perspective, and focus in on my task. I enjoy interacting with you all. I love being able to share what I'm learning or tips I've picked up along the way and encourage, challenge, and/or help others. I even enjoy getting gentle pushback when others have a different perspective. And it is truly joyful for me to point people towards Christ-honoring, valuable, and thought-provoking resources.

But for now, I need to give my focus and the "best" of who I am and what I have to the people who are right here in front of me. This summer has given me some perspective on that, and I'm gonna run with it for now. I have no idea how long it will last; I'm sure I'll still keep up with some of you via your own blogs... but for this portion of my "task", I'm flipping the switch and going radio silent. See you on the other side.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Will your blog remain up for us to read through? There are so many gems here that I like to visit time and again. I'd hate to see it go...

Kelly

Erika said...

Thanks for your insightful blog--and wise decision at this season for your family! Nothing more important than serving the Lord by serving them!!

gracie :) said...

So, I've been lurking for months now and this is the post that has generated a comment from me. I applaud your efforts and I'm challenged by your conviction to put technology aside for awhile. This internet stuff is so addicting, I've found, and while it can be fun to feel somewhat "connected" with the outside world, it is important to have boundaries. So thank you for taking this stand and being an example to the rest of us!

Kelli said...

Before you "sign off", when's your birthday? I too am 29, about to turn 30 on October 8th. Love reading your blog and sometimes you just "gotta do what you gotta do". God, husband, family THEN the other stuff. =)

Catherine R. said...

Don't know if you're doing comments on this one but I fully support you. I hope that you are still reading emails because I would like to catch you up on stuff.

--Your fellow 29 year old who is also having similar thoughts as these <3

Beth Celestin said...

I'm encouraged by this post, and apologize for bothering you with my silly question. Thanks for speaking the truth and being an example.

Beth

Kari said...

well, I for one will miss your insight. But I understand the need to put other things first and foremost.
God Bless. And finish well.

Anja said...

Will miss you! But it sounds like a wise decision. Like you wrote some time ago, THESE are our lives, and we don't get to do them over again, or dream of how we'd like it all to be. That's why we need to invest now... (that's a very loose paraphrase!) It was a good reminder for me too that people should never think that my online communications are my most important ones. Wish you all the best. And thank you for all you taught me. Your posts often made me think. Thanks for the example, and also your honesty. All the best!

Anja

CanadianDad said...

Though unfortunate for all of us out here in cyberspace, choosing to spend more time with family is never a bad decision.
Blessings.

on the eastern journey said...

((hugs))

Deborah said...

I'm sorry (for us) that you're going silent, and I'm glad (for your family) that you're going silent. I look forward to perusing your archives until you come back :)

Polly said...

Great decision! A couple of years ago I felt the same conviction and have since pared down my 'techno-life' considerably (read very few blogs, keep my own simple, and honestly don't read much online at all). So much better. Time for Real Life!!

Catie said...

Well, I am sad to see you go, but I totally respect your decision! :) May the Lord richly bless you!!!!
Catie

Anonymous said...

Farewell!!!

Lisa B.

Rebekah said...

Will Miss you....
Just found this blog in early 2009 so i guess i can look thru the archives......
Thank you for your zeal for truth as it relates to womanhood/mothering....
my husband thanks you too :)
Rebekah

Jessie said...

From one Jess to another, I applaud your decision to put aside the distraction of technology to concentrate wholly on your family. I've enjoyed your insights and thought-provoking links and hope you keep your blog up so I can go back and revisit some of my favorites. I think you are a great model for college-educated women who put their energy towards serving their husbands and children. God Bless!
~Jessie

Anonymous said...

I've never commented before but read you often. I was so sad that you stopped for awhile this summer and I'm even more disappointed now. I totally understand but really respected your thoughts and insights. I'm lacking Godly friends at the moment and struggle with dear friends who are rather worldly- you were a much needed encouragement. I'll be praying you find fresh perspective and grow even closer to Christ, your husband and children. Hope you're not "radio silent" for too too long. Loved Alias too by the way.

Fondly,
Jennifer Batts
jennbatts@netzero.com

Robin said...

I'll miss the way you hit me between the eyes. Please leave your archives for us to enjoy. I have 30-some of your posts bookmarked and send ladies to you often.

I appreciate the decision you've made and wish you well.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Jess, I needed this today!!
Jenny (LuvMyBlessings)

Grace Halsey said...

Your blog has been such an encouragement to me! I have especially appreciated your honesty about trials in life and have loved the book reviews and news commentary. Blessings to you and your family as you enjoy this sweet season of life!

Mom said...

I'm so proud of you! As your mom, let me just say that at this season, you are doing the right thing. You know what your schedule is, and you have given this a lot of thought & prayer. And, your four precious little ones & husband are so amazing. Your dad is also so proud of you after reading this, and is actually the one who told me about it. Praise the Lord for a mom and wife who sees what is important in her life, and wants to, as you said, gain a little fresh perspective. You are so amazing too, and I love you so much.

FancyHorse said...

You are making a wise decision, being "there" in every sense of the word for your family always comes first. I'm sure your blog will continue to bless and encourage people as long as you leave it up. Peace and blessings to you!

Anonymous said...

I often think of you and your family (and friends) that I was able to meet about half a year ago... I hope you are richly blessed during this period of "radio silence" :)

Robin said...

I've been out of the state and out of the blogosphere for awhile, so this is the first time I've had a chance to check up on you for awhile. I'm sad that you are going, but I totally understand. I used to have a blog that was fairly well read, but, when the company that supported it had some networking difficulties and lost most of the data, I decided to give up blogging for the same reasons as you. I certainly enjoyed writing and getting stuff "out there," however, I think it's more important that the timing is God's, and the messages are true.

God bless you and your family in this season of life.

Robin

Catie said...

I know you're not posting right now... But I still read your blog! :) Well, I don't read the last one you wrote everyday... I search the archives. HA!!

I nominated you for an award on my blog! :)

Blessings!

Amber said...

I just used the resounding gong reference about myself this week--I obviously do not check the 3 blogs I read very often--but I was reminded of my priorities that I have been wrestling for months about starting a blog or writing a book. I am choosing to do neither at this moment. I am choosing to write a legacy on the life's of my family and hopefully it will inspire those around us to Love God. As you are by your choice.
Amber

Michelle @ Be Fresh be Simple said...

I just wanted to thank you for all of the time and effort you put into your blog. In your silence I have had time to go back and read some of your wonderful posts.