While on a date night with my husband, Greg, I
discovered an interesting phenomenon. The majority of the couples sitting
around us had something in common – one or both of them kept messing with their
phone.
Now, I’m not some kind of phone prude. I like to
stay connected and consider myself a pretty accessible person. But I am
beginning to learn something – I need to love the one I’m with! Scheduling time
with someone doesn’t mean anything if I don’t give them my full attention. Have
you ever been out to lunch or dinner with a friend who interrupts your time
together by answering texts, responding to email or even answering a phone
call? How did that make you feel? I hate to admit it, but I’ve been that person.
So I decided to make a change. Over the last few
weeks I’ve purposely ignored any texts or email (unless they were from my kids)
anytime I was meeting with someone. No matter what! I have found that the world
didn’t come to an end during the hour and a half that I sipped coffee or
enjoyed a meal. And, with giving them my full attention, I was reminded that I
know some pretty amazing people.
We live in a fast paced, busy world. Life happens
all around us whether we actively participate or not. But God gives us 24 hours
in every day, so how are we using them? Are we so busy multitasking that we
have lost our sense of purpose? I can
guarantee that if you trust God to take an hour or two of your time to pour His
love into another person, He will bless your obedience and grow your
relationship.
We are designed to be in relationship with God and
with others. But we can only be blessed and be a blessing when we fully engage
in the people He brings across our path. So I have to ask…do you love the one
you’re with?
Be blessed,
Jennifer
“Therefore
encourage each other and build one another up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
4 comments:
One of the first times I traveled for business, my manager insisted we turn our phones off during dinner. Somewhat offended because I had children at home, I silenced mine. Nevertheless, I appreciate that he wanted us to give that hour of time getting to know each other so we worked better as a team.
I routinely silence my phone during meetings at work, or when interviewing for magazine articles. Should I do any less for friends and family?
And a step further, when I spend time reading my Bible and praying, do I stop and respond to texts or messages? Ouch. Guilt as charged. If I should ignore my phone for anyone, it is the One who loves me more than life.
Excellent point Lisa! Thanks for sharing some great perspective. :)
Jennifer,
I have thought the same thing. During the last week I have been very conscious of NOT answering my phone and every text message or notification as they come through on my phone. Just like you said, the world did not end! I have felt MUCH more relaxed as a side effect though before I was always anxious I would miss something.
This is an excellent post. Thanks!
Thanks Natalie! I'm so glad you were able to put it into practice. :) Thanks for the encouragement.
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