Skip to content ↓

A Digital Vacation

The problem with writing a book is that, as an author, you feel like you need to practice what you preach (OK, I guess that’s not really a problem, is it?). And while I believe in the necessity of occasionally fasting from technology, I’ve found that I’m not very good at it–at least, not for very long. But now as I take a week off from all of my work responsibilities I am seeking to implement a lesson I learned last year. If I don’t take a break from technology, I’m not really taking a break at all. I had a vacation last year, but didn’t truly “vacate” because I continued to be as wired as ever.

So here’s the plan. For the next week I am not going to be checking email. I also won’t be tweeting or Facebooking or even blogging. I am going to simply cease to exist electronically. When I tell people this they give that low whistle and say, “That’s going to be tough.” And that may be the case. But I am really looking forward to it, both for the benefits I believe will come from it but also as a kind of case study. I think it’s going to make this a true vacation.

Here’s the auto-reply message I’ve setup within email:

I am taking an electronic vacation which means that I will not be checking email or blogging between July 9 and July 16. There is a very good chance that when I return to the digital world I will erase the hundreds (thousands?) of emails that will have accumulated.

Therefore, if the email you sent me is very important, it would probably be wise to send it again sometime around July 17.

As for the blog, there will continue to be daily content here for you. I have asked a series of friends to each provide an article and those are all queued up and ready to go. Some of these people you will know and others you will get to know through their posts. Obviously there will be no A La Carte updates (those will resume July 19), but you will still be able to come here and read something good every day.

I’ll see you around the 17th!


  • Kids Books

    Aileen’s Picks: Books for the Littlest Ones

    Aileen has spent many years overseeing the Early Years program at our church. I asked if she would provide some occasional reviews or recommendations of books and other resources that have stood out to her and proven a blessing to the children. Here is her first roundup.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (September 18)

    A La Carte: God’s purposes in suffering / Shatter your kid-centered kingdom / I’m triggered / Praying for the dead / 3 reasons to take your kids to church / Meditation / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Thoughtful Responses To Charlie Kirks Death

    One Week Later: Thoughtful Christian Responses To Charlie Kirk’s Death

    I did not know Charlie Kirk, and, in fact, barely knew of him until his death. Like so many others, I was horrified by his murder and have been attempting to understand its significance. As a committed curator of distinctly Christian content, I have had many articles come through my app, and each of them…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (September 17)

    A La Carte: The comfort I did not understand / Charlie Kirk / Walking with a friend through chronic illness / What is a confession of sin? / Asking excellent Bible study questions / Kindle deals / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (September 16)

    A La Carte: Understanding your Mormon neighbor / Your first discipleship meeting / The virtue of unread books / A critical spirit / The church and Charlie Kirk / Kindle deals / and more.

  • God did it

    God Did it! God Did it!

    You have probably had the experience of going from a very bright room into a very dark room. Maybe you arrive home late, and after you get ready for bed, you have to tiptoe into a bedroom where someone else is already fast asleep. You find that when you go from the brightness of the…