Back to dial-up internet.

That’s right, I said dial-up internet.

Are you old enough to remember the buzz and whir of connecting and the interruptions ever time someone picked up the phone?

I assure you that it was easier back then. Now, webpages are complex and full of graphics. Other than Google’s homepage, every other site seems to bog down and take forever to load.

So why am I using dial-up?

Well, because I don’t have a choice. Summer season has arrived and our wilderness Bible camp is open. Each weekend, our family travels into the Albertan foothills to host a variety of retreat groups.

Then in July, we start our full summer program. Then our family will be out at camp for 2 months straight.

There’s no cell service either.

Not even one bar of signal. So, there’s no option to tether my iPhone to get a mobile hotspot.

In order to get a signal, I have to drive out to a logging road where the elevation and lack of trees gives me a couple of bars.

I don’t even bother with my data. How long do I really want to sit in the camp truck on a logging road?

So why is this a good thing?

Well, here’s 3 benefits that I’ve found, of having dial-up internet on the weekends.

1. It prevents technology addiction.

Yup, technology addiction. It’s okay, don’t be in denial. The first step to freedom is admitting you have a problem. Personally, as an Apple product and social media junkie, the potential for technology addiction is always at arms reach.

On the weekends, I just don’t use technology much.

I only use my phone for pictures. I’ve found the dial-up becomes a necessity-based resource. I only use the snail-paced connection when I absolutely have to.

2. It helps my relationships.

First, I’m in the middle of God’s creation every weekend. I have many uninterrupted opportunities to focus on my relationship with God.

I sense God’s presence early in the morning during devotional quiets times, throughout the day as I walk through the forest or evenings, looking over the lake with thanksgiving, listening to the loons call out into the night.

Secondly, my relationship with my family deepens. They’re with me throughout the day. I have uninterrupted connectivity with my wife and my 2 boys.

It’s amazing having my 2 little boys helping me work, in awe over every tool that comes out of my tool box.

Moreover, Nicole’s often looking on, while reading a book or putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Yeah, remember jigsaw puzzles? Clearly, my wife also gets some media fasting in while we’re at camp.

3. I embrace my other joys.

Before technology, I enjoyed a variety of projects, tasks and hobbies. In a camp setting, there’s always a variety of interesting projects to work on or things to do.

The past few weekends, I’ve been repairing and refinishing some old canoes and paddles. If I had wifi or cell service, I’d likely spend time on desk-work projects. Honestly, they’re not as fulfilling.

Furthermore, I’m surrounded by wilderness. When I need a break from work, there are a number of outdoor pursuit options. From hiking and mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, or maybe simply enjoying a s’more by the campfire.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

When’s the last time you had no cell service or wifi? Did it frustrate you or give you freedom? How did that experience impact your work time versus recreation? How did it impact your relationships?