I played that game yesterday too at Salarita’s. I was 3 for 3 in seeing adults with their phone. Then some older people over 65 came in who didn’t look at their phones. ha. Yes, Lord, help us stay focused on each other!

I feel blessed by the connections my phone allows also, Carol. I totally understand what you’re saying–balance is what we need. If it weren’t for online communication, I wouldn’t be able to stay in touch with my family near as much. As you phrase it so well, it’s in the “near relationships” that I need to learn to put it down more often. Thanks for sharing.

Turning off notifications is a wonderful thing! Whenever I get a new app, I often just leave the original settings as is. But then I start getting the notifications and realize I need to adjust the settings. I don’t want to be beeped at all day. 🙂 But yes, leaving it in another room is still a big game-changer for me. I used to think I needed it with me so I could hear it ring if someone calls, but rarely do I get phone calls these days (no complaints about that!) and even if I do miss a call, I can always return the call later.

As usual, your words are so succinct yet so piercing, Floyd. I love the imagery of putting our phones to bed like a farm animal. 🙂 And am convicted about missing parts of life by feeding our egos. Thanks for sharing this, brother.

Your point is valid, Lynn: even when it’s not our phones, there are lots of choices for distractions in our world! I suppose it’s always been that way to some extent, but the distractions seem so “in your face” these days. Thanks for recommending Tony Reinke’s book! I have heard about it but haven’t looked into it, but now I will.

Recognizing it in ourselves is often the hardest step. Then letting it go is the next hardest. 😉 I love reading on my Kindle, but I also have the Kindle app on my phone, so if I accidentally have a few minutes somewhere without my Kindle, I can read on my phone as well. Our phones are so versatile that no wonder we have trouble letting them go. 🙁 Thanks for sharing your experience, Anita. May your progress go well in finding the right balance for you.