Fighting Sound and LightSample

Day 4: Keeping in touch or being distracted?

Life is full of paradoxes. One oft-admitted paradox in the world now is the “great connector” that effectively disconnects people from each other. We could highlight social media or the internet in general, but I want to go even simpler. I want to talk about the simple text message.

Texting is a useful tool for many purposes. It helps people find each other in a crowd. It offers comfort from across the city, state, country, or world. When the world around you is sleeping and you feel alone and helpless, it’s likely you’ll reach out with a text before a phone call. Let me give you an example.

I struggle with depression, and sometimes it hits me at the least convenient times. Normally, I would talk to a friend close-by (as a college student, it’s usually not too hard to find somebody). In this case, it was the middle of the night, and everyone was sleeping––including my roommates. Luckily for me, my parents were awake because they live overseas. I could talk to them, but a phone call would have woken my roommates. Texting was the answer that night.

While I probably didn’t get all the help I could have from voice or video, I received enough. This help reminded me of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Two are certainly better than one. When the two can’t be together in person, sometimes they can be over text.

Jesus knew the value of a supportive community, but he always also took time to be by himself. He would go away to pray. Sometimes he would go to great lengths to avoid the crowd that followed him, seeking miracles. He lived in community with others, but he demonstrated the importance of putting aside all things––even beneficial things––to be with God.

My phone is primarily a distraction. When I try to focus on my Bible or prayer, my phone can pull me away with a notification or just by simply being available. Though I fail often, I try to put my phone away somewhere out of sight when I intentionally spend time with God. The hope is I’ll be so wrapped up in His presence, I’ll forget my phone even exists.

It’s great practice when talking with God, but it’s also applicable when talking with people. Put the phone away and be where you are now. Focus on the connections you’re making, and I’ll bet you won’t even think about your phone. That’s the beauty of company.