Have you ever looked up at the end of a summer day and wondered where it went?
I wake up with the best intentions: maybe today I’ll savor my tea, soak up the sunshine, and just be present. But somehow, before my mug is even half empty, I’m already lost in a swirl of notifications and scrolling through someone else’s summer adventures.
Suddenly, the sun is setting, and I realize the day slipped away while I was glued to a screen instead of living it.
As Catholic wives, we’re called to be the heart of our homes, but it’s hard to be present for the people we love when we’re mentally living in the digital cloud.
So this summer, I’m giving myself a little challenge: less blurring through the days, more actually living them.
It’s not about being anti-technology; just choosing to notice the life God has placed right in front of me.
One simple moment at a time.
Why Fast From Digital Distractions During Summer?
The word ‘fasting’ can sound a little intense, but I like to think of it as clearing out some of the clutter to make space for all the precious moments.
I mean, I wouldn’t let a sink full of dirty dishes pile up all week, so why do I let my mind get so full of digital noise?
When we step away from the constant ping of the phone, something amazing happens: our nervous system actually settles down. We trade that low-level anxiety for a little bit of wonder.
Summer feels like God’s gentle invitation to slow down and notice Him: in the long sunsets, blooming flowers, and that golden evening light. Fasting from digital distractions can bring us back into our Father’s loving arms.
If we’re staring at a screen, we’re missing this invitation to contemplate the Creator through His creation.
It’s hard to hear God’s voice when the world is constantly buzzing in our pockets.
Practical Pillars for a “Summer Digital Fast”
So how do we make this work without feeling like we’ve gone off the grid? Let’s keep it simple.
1. The ‘Porch Pivot’
I’ve started leaving my phone inside whenever I step out to the porch, the garden, or the park. If I’m heading out for a breath of fresh air, the digital baggage stays behind.
2. The ‘Sun-Down’ Rule
After dinner, I plug my phone in the kitchen and let it rest for the night. When the sun goes down, so does my screen time. It’s amazing how much more peaceful the evening feels when I’m not checking emails or scrolling before bed.
3. Curated Consumption
Instead of just deleting apps, I try to swap the bad habit for something better. When I get the urge to scroll, I’ll pick up a book, go for a walk, or just sit and listen to the birds for a few minutes. If I don’t fill that space with a little joy, the phone always calls me back.
Your Phone: The New Third Wheel
Let’s be real for a second: our phones have become the ultimate “third party” in our marriages.
Digital distractions are a real danger for marriages. Fasting from them can bring us closer, and remid us what it is to simply “be” with another.
How many times have I sat on the couch with my husband, both of us scrolling away, feeling miles apart even though we’re right next to each other?
When I put the phone down, I notice I’m so much more present with him. Maybe try a device-free evening date this week and see what little joys you discover together.
The only goal? Look at him, listen to his day, and notice one thing you love about him or your home, something you might have missed in the busyness.
It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference in connection and closeness.
A Prayer for the Season
Lord, thank You for the gift of each season.
This summer, help me to put down my screen,
that I may appreciatethe beauty of the world You’ve created.
Soften my heart and sharpen my eyes,
Help me see my husband, my home, and Your creation with a fresh wonder.
Guide me to focus on what truly matters,
not on the fleeting images, but on the moments that last.
Be with me as I seek to grow closer to You and those around me.
Amen.
I’d love to hear from you: what is one place in your home or your neighborhood where you’re going to be completely “unplugged” this summer? Let’s hold each other to it in the comments below!