I stood out on the sidewalk recently, talking with a friend. She spent her days at home with a little one, not always sure what to do next, and she felt like Facebook was taking over her days.
She realized she often looked to the apps on her phone when exhausted, when she didn’t want to make another decision.
The phone is a perfect distraction when we don’t know what to do next.
But my friend didn’t like what her life was beginning to look like. The constant pull of Facebook made it impossible for her to stay present in her days. She didn’t want to miss precious moments with her daughter, but she also didn’t want to drop out of Facebook altogether. It can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family.
Still, something needed to change.
I could relate. My phone addiction problem comes and goes, often depending on the current season’s schedule as a Mom. Sometimes I’m running crazy and too busy to even notice the apps on my phone.
But other days, I can’t stop checking the phone, with all the little red flags waving notifications that someone has said something or liked something or needs my attention.
In those times, I’m looking for something. Something in my life is missing or incomplete, and I’m restless until I find it.
The problem is, I never do. I only waste time looking for more.
I seek shallow connections, rather than open my ears to the concerns of the people in my own living room or outside my front door.
I received a new inspirational magazine a few weeks ago called Simple Grace: Your Daily Dose of Hope. In it, a reader shared her story of being addicted to the distraction of carry-along technology.
Out to lunch with her daughter, she constantly checked for texts, emails, and status updates. It bothered her daughter that she chose the phone over living in the now.
The phone caused her to miss beautiful moments of her life, like this opportunity out to lunch with her teenage daughter.
“It’s so tempting to get pulled into habits that tickle our mind but leave our soul wanting. We end up feeling so unfulfilled…” ~Simple Grace, August 2015, p. 30
When we feel like we’re lacking something, our natural response is to look for what we’re missing.
These days, with technology at our fingertips, it quickly becomes habit to reach for our phones.
What if instead of chasing every flutter of our phone, we remember it will never deliver what we’re really looking for?
What if we walk away sometimes and ask the Lord to fill our hearts and minds with what we really need–His grace, His unending love, His always presence, and His power?
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6:63
***I’d love to have you join me weekly at this space. Enter your email address in the box to the right, to receive updates in your inbox. 🙂 Thanks for visiting, ~Angela
I see so many families around a restaurant table just eating and scrolling and it makes my heart hurt. Put it away, friends. Talk to each other. Talk to that child sitting between you. Resist the urge! This is powerful. Thank you for joining in #livefreeThursday.
I know, Suzie. All the time! It’s become a conversation topic at dinners out with our family, because it’s almost unbelievable how many people around the restaurant are glued to their phones. Our kids notice it first. Thanks for opening up your blog for #livefreeThursday. I’m excited to join!
Angela, thank you for this reminder! It’s one that I think everyone in today’s society needs daily! I have such a love/hate relationship with cell phones, social media, apps, etc. We are missing out on so much when we allow these gadgets to fill our time. Happy to see you on #livefreeThursday! #liveinthenow
Crystal, Thanks so much for your feedback. I am with you, with the love/hate relationship. We ARE missing out on so much, not only in the area of time but also what FILLS UP OUR MINDS! Right? So glad you stopped by…
This is such an important reminder for moms, specifically stay at home or work at home moms. Technology is a wonderful thing, but we must have boundaries! We need to model for our children the kind of person who is dependent on the Father alone to meet our needs. Glad I found you through the #livefreeThursday linkup.
Thanks for these words, Sarah! Yes–boundaries. I agree…and modeling for our children, such a good thought. If I want them to grow up to depend on their Father, they need to see that in me. You’ve blessed me with this today!
As a teacher, I saw the negative effects of too much attention to technology instead of interactions between parents and their children. Now that I am retired, I find myself checking my phone way too much. Thank you for reminding me to reach out to those around me rather than reaching for my phone.
I get it, Cindy. It’s so easy to see the problem in someone else. Ouch when we see that same problem in ourselves! Thanks for joining the conversation today!
Love this much-needed post, Angela! Your neighbor at #livefreeThursday.
Thanks for visiting, Julie!
This is so so something I struggle with! Thank you for the reminder 🙂 I look forward to meeting you at allume!
Thanks, Misty, for the encouragement! I look forward to meeting you as well!