I’m one of those people who tends to start conversations with strangers.  I know that’s not for everyone, but it’s one way I can make connections when I’m an extroverted widow who lives alone.  I don’t expect it to turn into a life-long friendship; it’s just a nice distraction in my day.

Recently while I was walking the girls, there was a woman walking her Airedale dog towards us on the other side of the street.  Since Dale and I inherited Rocky, the Airedale, many years ago with an acreage we bought, I always want to connect with anyone who owns that breed.  You just don’t see them often anymore.

So, I started talking with her when we were close enough to visit, and she immediately stopped what she was listening to and took out her earbuds.  This is not the first time I’ve started a conversation with someone who was fully plugged into something else.  And yet, it always takes me by surprise, and I usually feel the need to apologize for interrupting whatever they’re listening to.

I, on the other hand, never have earbuds in when I’m walking or doing yardwork.  In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever used earbuds!  I know that makes me a “fossil” or “dino” or “cave dweller,” but it’s who I am and I’m not likely to make a major change in this area at this stage of my life.

I started thinking about the pros and cons of this whole “earbud era” that’s swept in like a storm — and yep, I totally missed the wave.

Is this an efficient way to educate yourself with helpful podcasts, or perhaps calm your nerves by listening to a string orchestra?  Or does it isolate you from the world around you, and cause your social skills to take a nosedive?

I’d suggest the real answer depends largely on what a person is listening to — and why.

I completely understand — and even appreciate — why someone might choose to use their walk with the dog, their yardwork, their commute, or time in a waiting room to listen to something that meets a need or speaks to their heart. If that helps them create more margin to invest in the people God has placed in their life, I say that’s a very wise and purposeful use of their time.

So why haven’t I jumped on that bandwagon?

I didn’t intentionally avoid earbuds when they became more popular.  It’s only in retrospect that I realize how “outdated” I might be.

But I’ve also discovered a few blessings that have come from choosing to stay unplugged from the constant stream of audio technology around us.

First of all, even long before I started writing this weekly blog, I often found God sharing insights with me on those daily dog walks.  I even remarked to myself that this particular idea would make a good devotional.  How many of those ideas never made it past my own thoughts?  There just wasn’t an outlet for them at the time, but God still blessed me with his message.

Now that I write regularly, I do find that these dog-walking trips often include some ideas and insights from God that I can share with all of you.  My mind isn’t as busy concentrating on a podcast or a musical number, so it’s more open to what God wants me to know.

In fact, there are times (especially if I’m without a topic), that I specifically ask God to bring some unexpected idea to my mind while I’m on this walk.  So many times, he’s done exactly that.

So, I’m not likely to give up that special time with the Lord when he’s been so faithful to speak to me when I’ve asked for his guidance.

Another benefit I truly appreciate about being “unplugged” is the ability to fully take in God’s world around me. Whether it’s catching an elusive sunrise or rainbow, listening to the beautiful song of a wren, or hearing the joyful sounds of children playing, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to engage more deeply with God’s creation throughout my walk.

I’m not exhorting anyone here to stop listening with their earbuds.  You may be deeply blessed by your regular podcasts or worship music.  Don’t stop listening!

But, I do encourage each of us to take a moment and consider whether we’ve set aside time in our daily routines to truly be still before God and listen for His voice. That’s a heart-to-heart just between you and God.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from him.

Psalm 62:5