Lonely Lately?
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Today’s devotional comes right out of the Flourishing in Your Faith book.
Enjoy … then order your set of Seeds of Inspiration.
…
A notification came up on my phone today. Apparently, my smart phone has been keeping track of how much time we spend together. I couldn’t believe the number of hours it tallied. It was the equivalent of a full-time job!
Horrified, I had to double check the number…
- A quick look at Facebook in the morning.
- A YouTube video while I get ready for work, a podcast while I managed meal prep, and a Netflix show while I did the dishes.
- A bit of scrolling social media here and there.
- Add in my digital crossword puzzles and Solitaire games at night to relax.
It all adds up.
I am spending more time with my screen than I am with my husband!
FaceTime or Face Time?
Researchers say all that heads-down posture lowers our empathy toward others and deteriorates our interpersonal skills. Case in point: When was the last time you struck up a conversation with the woman in line with you at the grocery store or the bank or on the bus?
Our culture has never been more connected—or more lonely. We use our phones to stalk instead of talk. We don’t actually connect with real people on our phones, and it creates a feeling of isolation and loneliness.
God did not create you to do life alone. He put unique gifts, talents, and qualities in you to bless others. You have marvelous and tragic life experiences that can encourage and equip others.
We need to connect with our people instead of our screens to feel the love come back in our relationships.
Obviously, we can’t just stop using our phones, but we can make some modifications.
Reevaluate, Repurpose, Rest
Are you ready to reevaluate the relationship with your screen? Here are 3 ways you can establish boundaries.
- Choose to engage with people around you.
- Ask about the weather…
- or the ball game…
- or the price of milk!
- Call rather than text.
2. Repurpose some of your screen time by taking up an actual hobby.
- Read a book.
- Paint a picture.
- Go for a walk.
- Write a letter.
3. Say no to your phone for an hour, a day, or a weekend. Set it down, leave it behind, or turn it off for a while.
When we set aside our phones, I’m confident our relationships will flourish, our productivity will escalate, and our creativity will blossom.
Have you found this to be true?
Leave me a comment telling me how you’re choosing good boundaries with your screens lately.
Verse
“‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.” —1 Corinthians 6:12
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the ease of the world I live in. The little device in my hand is more powerful than the computers that sent men into space fifty years ago. How wondrous! But, Lord, I beg you to help me keep anything but you from ruling my life. Protect my time and attention from distractions. Remind me that while many things vie for my attention, I must keep my eyes on you first. Amen.
Dear Robyn,
Months ago you had called me when I took your speaking course. That call meant more than you will ever know. The season of life I had this past year has been one of much loneliness. I was forced to retire early due to health which has dampened my ability to have freedoms I had enjoyed in the past. Along with severe financial challenges and less people interaction. Your faithfulness in your ministry has been one of my anchors of which I could count on to show there is life when in the storm of trials. I wish we were neighbors.
I enjoyed and learned very much with your course. I got side tracked with writing a memoir instead. Someday I hope to connect with you on writing. .
The main reason I am contacting you is to tell you how much you mean to me. I look forward to the insights you email me and am so thankful for you. I always pray the prayer you leave at the end and know we are of like mind. Without the Lord and people with a heart like yours I would of been engulfed with loneliness.
Many prayers and blessings are being sent your way.
I am sorry I am not able to attend the conference at Cedar Lake Women’s Retreat but will remember to pray for your speaking and God’s glory to surround you all.