I’VE GOT TO GET THIS
Did I really see that? I was sitting on a bench just “people watching.” A 20-something year old man, was looking at his phone. Since he was looking at his phone as he walked, he ran smack into a light pole. He looked at the pole with anger and hit it with his fist. Guess he thought the pole just jumped in front of him and he was the target. (I just started laughing, not out loud of course. He might have hit me with his fist.) One time, when I was eating in a local restaurant, I noticed at one table all four of the people were looking at their phones. Maybe they were talking to each other on their phones? I doubt it. A lot of times, the shows I watch on tv, a couple is in an intense conversation and one of their phone rings. They look at the sender and say, ‘I’ve got to get this.” But do they really? What about in church services, when someone is focused on their phones? Maybe, they are looking up scriptures, but are they? Of course, I am not in a place judgement. The good Lord will do that one day. Where is our focus?
It seems like to me that our phones become more important to us, than the people who are surrounding us. Do we really have to get it? Or do we feel we need to answer the phone, because we want to look important or is the person on the other line, more important than the people actually around us?
You might have to check your emails and texts several times a day because that is part of your job. If my phone rings or I get a text, I usually look at it. I want to make sure it isn’t my dad calling or texting and needs me. Personally, I have found that, I think I need to check my emails or texts several times a day. Not because of my job, but just because I think I have to know what is going on “out there.” It seems when I do that, before long I realize I have been looking at my phone for thirty minutes or more! How did that happen? I can get “lost” in Facebook so easily. I usually like to look at the dog and baby posts-the posts of people having a great time on vacation-this time of year, all the graduations and weddings-posts of my daughter and her kids who live far away. (Actually, I just stopped typing and looked at something on Facebook right now!)
Why have our devices become of such importance to us? The world is a vast place and we want to feel like we are “in the know.” We don’t want to be left out or left behind. But, on the other side, they can be used for good also. There are apps of the Bible we can download. There are apps that show us a verse of the day. I get a lot of cute, meaningful sayings, writings, that help me take one more step in this crazy world. Sayings that I can send to someone who is having a hard time. Posts that make me laugh. But do I get on my device or think I need to answer phone calls, at the expense of the loved ones around me?
My 92-year-old dad, who was living with me, has moved into a skilled nursing facility. I realized I just could not physically or mentally take care of his needs anymore. He needed more help than I was capable of doing. (As my doctor told me, I am no spring chicken!) He is in a facility that takes me forty-five minutes to an hour to get to. I have been going once a week to visit him. I caught myself getting on my phone and he was on his phone, instead of talking to each other. I am going to do better about that! I have to drive a long way to be with him. What if that was the last time I ever saw him! My device got in the way, of spending important minutes with him. I don’t want to look back one day and regret I wasted fleeting, precious time with him. What if, instead of getting on our devices, we focused on who is right there in front of us!
This world and the devices we spend so much time in, are not important. They might seem like it at the time. But do we really have to answer that phone call or scroll through that social media? Where are we putting our focus?
Reminding us to not love the things of this world more than God, 1 John 2:15-17 reads “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
Telling us that we cannot be a friend of the world, James 4:4 reads “…do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world, makes himself an enemy of God.”
Colossians 3:2, reveals where our minds should be and reads “Set your mind on things above not on things on the earth.”
Bringing focus back onto God, Philippians 4:6-7 reads “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
So, what is my point you might say? My point is something that I am working on and trying to be better at myself. Our time is valuable to ourselves and others. Where am I putting my focus on? Am I putting my focus on the world, instead of the people around me? What or who is really important for us to spend time with? Of course, you understand where my point or focus is at! Our Father God and service to Him.
Is there anything wrong with answering phone calls, looking at scripture on our phones, sending texts or scrolling through posts on our devices? Absolutely not! One example is, right now. You are reading this post on your device. I think it is good for our children to have cell phones. If they get into a bad situation and need your help, they can call or text you, and you are alerted on your device. If you have an emergency, calling for help is right in your hands. My point is, remember to not waste time with the things of this world, but save time every day to talk to God in prayer. Instead of using those precious moments for our devices, focus on God and the service we need to be doing for others. Read His Words in the Bible. Walk outside in nature and take in all the reality, that there is truly a God. When spending time with a loved one, talk to them face to face, put down your phone. Truly focus on church services and the Christian sisters and brothers there. I know losing focus is becoming harder and harder, at times, for me. Before I know it the devil has gotten into my mind and makes me lose focus on what is truly important. Don’t let him!!
Don’t wait until you run into a light pole, to bring your focus back onto what is really important. Matthew 6:33 reads, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”
When you say, “I’ve got to get this!” Do you really?
Till next time!
Keela
(Remember, my new book “Deep-Press-On, A Caregiver’s Story” has been released! You can order from Barnes and Noble, Trilogy Publishing, Amazon and several other places. Actually, you can also visit Barnes and Noble because they are carrying my book on their shelves! Or, if you live nearby me, I always have some in my car for your purchase. To Him be the glory!)