The world is more technology based than ever before, and that reliance on computers, phones and other tech products is only growing.

Many of us spend the majority of our days typing on a laptop and making calls while driving from meeting to meeting. When we get home, we watch Netflix on our phones, tablets or televisions. Our refrigerators tell us what we need from the store. We can simply speak and turn on and off our lights and security systems.

It feels weird to say, but at times it can be easy to forget that there’s actually a world beyond all of the screens.

Our children are growing up in this new world, one where everything is automated and connected to the internet, and frankly, it’s a little scary. Technology will be a huge part of their future, probably in ways we can’t even imagine, but it’s not everything.

That’s why it was so refreshing to be at the Troup County Sportsman’s Club Kiddie Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, where children sat down their phones, video games and tablets and grabbed a fishing pole.

The fishing rodeo has been held for approximately 40 years, and you could argue it’s more important now than ever. Fishing is the ultimate reprieve from the rest of the world, a chance to lay back near a body of water and wait until a fish bites. For some of us, that bite never comes, but the relaxation is still important and gives us a chance to get away.

We appreciate the Sportsman’s Club holding this annual event.

We could all use it as a reminder that sometimes it’s best to put the phones down, break out a fishing pole and relax.