April 2, 2025
I often find myself wondering about how we maintain our sense of purpose amid all the pixels and bytes.
This morning, I spoke at an event for real estate professionals about artificial intelligence—just one of many technological shifts transforming our workplaces and lives in profound ways.
Screen Time vs. Soul Time
One thing I discuss frequently with my mastermind groups is our complex relationship with technology.
When our phones feel like extra hands and our laptops become our constant companions, it’s time to examine what we’re actually consuming.
Are we feeding our minds with content that nourishes the soul, or just chasing illusions of perfection that keep us longing for something more?
As a Christian, I think deeply about what we set our eyes upon and how it shapes us.
The psychology is clear: what we consume influences our contentment. When we spend endless hours scrolling through carefully curated highlights of others’ lives, we lose sight of the blessings in our own.
The comparison game can send us spiraling when really, we should be counting our blessings and finding contentment in what we have.
The Physical vs. Digital Divide
Something I’ve been reading about recently is whether we’re losing touch with our physical spaces and physicality with the world.
Most of us spend our days at computers, probably at desks, waging digital battles instead of physical ones.
If you grew up in any level of middle class or above in a big city like Houston, chances are you couldn’t fix your refrigerator or change your oil if your life depended on it. I’m raising my hand here too.
There’s something deeply satisfying about working with your hands that all those email victories can’t replace. When you build or fix something tangible, there’s an immediate sense of accomplishment.
But after a long day of responding to emails, you might find yourself wondering, “What did I actually do today?”
Those digital wins just don’t provide the same satisfaction as creating something physical.
AI and the Search for Meaning
With AI advancing at unprecedented speeds, we need to think beyond just business efficiency.
While I’m a big proponent of embracing change and using these tools (I regularly speak on AI applications), there are massive societal implications coming our way.
The economists debate retraining programs or universal basic income, but I’m more concerned with the human side.
What will give people dignity and worth in an increasingly automated world?
When your AI is handling your spreadsheets, your emails, and even your creative work, what will restore your soul?
Where will you find your unique contribution to the world?
These aren’t just philosophical musings; they’re the existential questions we’ll all face as traditional work gets automated away.
Raising Children in the Digital Age
After reading Jonathan Haidt’s eye-opening book “Anxious Generation,” I’ve become even more intentional about how my family navigates technology.
With two young daughters and another child on the way, I view my role not just as a parent, but as someone who disciples them in both faith and humanity.
Haidt points out something profound: my generation growing up in the 90s and 2000s was probably overprotected in the physical world, but underprotected in the digital realm.
Today’s parents need to flip that script.
Despite what constant news coverage might suggest, physical crime rates in America are actually at their lowest in decades.
Yet, people are more fearful than ever of physical dangers, while often remaining oblivious to digital ones.
The challenge for parents today is finding that balance—giving kids physical freedom while providing appropriate digital boundaries.
Community as an Antidote
One way we’ve countered digital isolation is by creating physical gathering spaces.
Through our event space, we host regular meetups and build community connections. These face-to-face interactions provide something screens simply can’t replicate—genuine human connection.
I’ve found that connecting people is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work, beyond both my real estate investments and direct-to-consumer beef company.
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating spaces where people can gather, share ideas, and build relationships that transcend digital interaction.
Intellectual Speculation vs. Functional Knowledge
I recently heard something from John Tyson, a preacher at Church of the City of New York, that resonated deeply:
“There’s a lot of intellectual speculation, but the world thrives on functional knowledge.”
We’re swimming in theories and concepts, with everyone becoming pseudo-experts through their favorite podcasts.
But when it comes to actually putting knowledge into practice—especially spiritual knowledge—that’s where things often fall short.
People today are incredibly intelligent, but may lack practical wisdom, particularly in spiritual matters.
The challenge isn’t just knowing more; it’s applying what we know in meaningful ways that impact our daily lives and relationships.
Conclusion
As we navigate these technological waves, the key is keeping our perspective grounded in what matters most. It’s about using digital tools without being used by them.
It’s finding that sweet spot between ambition and contentment, building something meaningful while appreciating what we already have.
And sometimes, it means putting the phone down, gathering with friends in physical spaces, working with our hands, and remembering that our worth isn’t determined by our digital output but by something far more lasting and profound.