As Holy Week approaches, I’ve been thinking about how I want to show up differently this Easter. After a busy spring break and a long list of to-dos waiting for me, I realized I needed something simple to help me refocus. So this year, I’m giving myself and our family an Easter gift: an Easter screen time challenge designed to help me be more present—with my family, with the world around me, and with the Savior.
We were out of town for Spring Break so I was trying to get my heart and mind in gear for this beautiful Holy Week leading up to Easter.
That’s where this family screen-time challenge came in to play. Whoever has the least screen-time by the end of the week will get a still-to-be-determined prize.
What’s that you say? I’ve already done that deal before? Ha, yes, it was my gift to myself for Mother’s Day a couple years ago too.
But don’t we all need a little accountability practice again and again?
What Inspired This Idea
I was turned on to this idea from a Richard Rohr meditation:
We can spend our whole lives rattling around inside of ideas, rarely touching upon what is right in front of us, when it’s the “givens” that heal us and reconnect us to Reality...
In Scripture we read, “What can be known about God is perfectly plain, since God has made it plain. Ever since God created the world, God’s everlasting power and divinity, however invisible, have been there for the mind to see in the things that God has made” (Romans 1:19–20). Every day, we are given a natural way to reconnect with God and it doesn’t depend upon intelligence, education, or a religion. It depends on really being present and connecting with the soul.
Of course, it’s not as simple as just standing in my garden [or in the midst of my family]. If I get my email first or start worrying and planning my day, the moment’s over. It’s done because I’m not really present. But we can preserve and protect those sacred moments before we read the news or check our email, before we look at social media or review the day’s agenda. If we can find a way to be present to the “givens,” especially the natural “givens,” I believe we can be happy.
Richard Rohr
If you have time, read that whole Richard Rohr meditation because it is SO GOOD.
Why Presence Matters During Holy Week
Holy Week is one of the most sacred weeks of the year. We are celebrating the actual resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are celebrating the fact that because he lived, and died, and lived again, we can too. Because of Him, we can be forgiven of the dumb things we do, the relationships we mess up, the things we don’t quite think through enough.
And we can be more present with those who really matter most. The ones we get to be with forever because of Him.
And who wants to miss that by being distracted by a little shiny thing in our pockets??
Join Me This Easter Challenge
This Easter, I don’t want to just rush through the week—I want to feel it. To notice the small, sacred moments. To be more present with the people I love and more aware of the quiet ways God shows up in everyday life.
If you’re craving that too, maybe this simple challenge could be your Easter gift to yourself as well.
XOXO
If you’re looking for more meaningful ways to celebrate Easter and Holy Week with your family, you can find more ideas here: Easter / Holy Week Hub Page
Why? Why is there always a challenge and why is the challenge always pressured to be all family participating? Sometimes it is not you that starts it. Seems to be an equal amount of taking turns in who starts these things. I do not understand the need in the COJCOLDS world to constantly find fault with oneself and improve oneself and to do so publicly. Is there no satisfaction in the way you already are? We are humans. We are supposed to be a little bit messy.
Sounds like a strong opinion !
Many many people want to look at improving their lives in healthy ways and it inspires me personally and it’s something many people find great value in
Sounds like you don’t and that’s fine
To me, challenging yourself to do better in an area where you are struggling (i.e. too much time distracted on your phone from what’s more important), is a way to get more out of life. I believe part of life is seeking for ways to learn and grow. Like reading an educational book, going to college, trying something new. I don’t think anyone feels pressure, if they want to join they do. This is not something specific to our church, there are all kinds of books on self improvement out there that help people on their path to growth and learning. Atomic Habits is one of my favorites, all about how changing little things can make a big impact. As human beings we always have something to learn and grow from. Let me know if this isn’t hitting on what you are getting at.
xoxo
Let me know more if this doesn’t make sense, I’m curious where you’re coming from.
Like Tarina says below, no worries if this is not
Wondering if screen time also includes texts to family etc as that is always my challenge. I want to communicate with my kids and loved ones but it’s also mostly what screen time is in lots of cases .. what are your thoughts on this Shawni ?
Good question. It’s just any screen time on the phone. I have been answering texts on my computer when I’m sitting down to work. And also I’ve been calling rather than texting which feels quite refreshing. I have honestly had the best week ever being more present with my family, they have totally noticed the difference and I have too. But I will say I have missed a few important things too! Whoops! It’s hard to find a balance!
Makes sense
So true the phone is constant where the computer is more deliberate
Interesting post and article that made me think a lot thanks ! And happy Easter to you and your family xox