Getting Muddy Shoes Even Online

I admit, I do not get out enough. I sit at a desk too much. I know it and I need to change it.

But, I do make use of technology quite bit to plan on getting outside. And my tech is mostly Apple.

I sit at my MacBook, and peruse my apps on the iPhone and iPad. I get notices through the Apple Watch. And upon my return home, I watch TV thorough my Apple TV.

And on these devices, I peruse National Park websites, check out blogs like ‘Dirt in My Shoes’ that give insights to outdoor locations, and plan hikes through All Trails. Even today, I am looking at what trails I am planning to trod when I visit Badlands NP, Glacier NP, and Devil’s Tower.

I made cabin reservations through this tech. I watch National Geographic documentaries on variety of destinations, 

I follow hikers and explorers that are there. My nephew works at Many Glaciers, so I see his media.

So, I can even get some of my outdoor fix even while on technology.

Unfortunately, you can also get muddy shoes in other ways when you use technology. 

Part of the reason, you are never alone when you are online. Google is watching. Siri is spying. Alexis is aware of everything. Sometimes, I wonder if they can also read our minds.

So you need to be careful, for it can get more than mud on you.

A few years ago, I needed some props for our Easter program. The costume/prop shop I used regularly had closed, so I had to go to the one place always open – Amazon.

I was getting props for the persecution and punishment of Christ before his crucifixion. I ordered a whip (similar to cat-o-nine tails) and shackles that would be similar to vintage handcuffs/bondage. Well, I got them and they worked great … but not before my computer started giving a massive amount of ads and pop ups and emails on … well, on stuff like handcuffs and leather whips.  But not the drama prop kind!

So in the words of Ricky Ricardo …

Mud comes in many forms. Mud can be splattered in many places. 

(interestingly, as I type this, I am watching Star Trek TOS, Season 1, Episode 7 – Mudd’s Women.

The enticement of something that we think we can handle, but can easily get ahead of us. Caution is needed.

But there is a lesson in addition to caution. The lesson is to have such deep love and sold out devotion to God, that no matter what mud is around, we keep our eyes focused on God.

So mud is way beyond just the outside world, it can be on us through technology too. But if we focus on what’s important, we will overcome the mud,