Upon taking a new job at a different church I made a decision: no phone. I looked at trying to just get a regular old phone in case there were emergencies or people needed to get a hold of me. It was actually difficult to find a plan offering such simple amenities, and the phone quality and selection were a big step down from what I used to have (the iPhone was still in my blood making me a techno-snob).

So I’m 8 weeks into the venture, and this is what I’ve observed:

1. I Feel Different My old church, The Meeting House, did a series called Rage Against the Machine. In it I remember our teaching pastor describing research stating the impact on brain chemistry of waiting for the next ring-tone, vibration, or alert setting. I used to check my phone constantly for emails, texts, whatever. I had it on silent most of the time, but there was always this anxiety I felt anticipating the next thing. That’s gone. I feel more relaxed.

2. I’m More Present My wife and I won’t let our kids have a DS because it blocks them out to the world around them. But I had an iPhone, and believe me, I didn’t manage it well. There were countless times where my kids would ask me to put it away (or give them a turn).

It has also made me available to the people I’m with. I never hit this extreme full tilt, but I’ve observed it. You know, you’re talking to someone or having lunch, and they whip out their phone. They might start texting in the middle of a conversation. Nothing makes the person you’re with feel obsolete like checking your phone in the middle of the conversation, No phone enables me to be fully present…now it’s just my wandering mind I have to keep in check (don’t act like you don’t have one too!).

3. I’m Where I Say I’ll Be, When I Say I’ll Be There Ever shoot the text saying you’re running 10 minutes late or stuck in a meeting? Ever wonder why you didn’t leave on time or call the meeting when it was supposed to be called? It’s because you have an impersonal way of saying, “Hey, I realize it’s important to be with you right now, but I’m important (whoops, I mean I’m in an important meeting) and so I’m running late. I actually call people if I’m running behind. This enables actual conversation, and it forces me to get my butt out the door, because calling and apologizing for being late is a bit embarrassing.

4. It’s Given Me Space You ever wonder why you can’t unplug? It’s because you only have to plug those things in while you sleep to recharge! Otherwise, it’s plugged in your pocket at all times!!! In the old days, in my profession, people could call you at the office or home. Within a reasonable time-frame their calls would be returned. I think it models something positive: setting boundaries. We have a life outside of our work, and it’s equally as important as our work. We need to play, have dinner with our families, help our kids with homework, and talk to our spouses…without being interrupted (or having the nagging feeling you’re going to be).

I’m not saying technology is all bad, but it’s not all the bill of goods it’s sold to be either. It should be used with discretion. For me, less is more. Not having certain technologies re-humanize the world around me.