11/04/2025
A friend and I sat for hours visiting over dinner, laughing and enjoying just being in each other’s presence. During the few hours we engaged in conversation, I kept noticing the tables around us, which were filled with older married couples dining together, families grabbing a bite to eat before heading home, and groups of friends hoping to enjoy a little social time. But the thing I observed the most was how disengaged all of them were by being focused on their smart phones. Parents didn’t interact with their children. Spouses didn’t say one word to each other. Friends kept texting instead of talking.
I left the restaurant saddened by how we give more attention to a device instead of the precious people seated across the table. We are inundated by technology, which can be good and bad. I’m not writing this blog to preach a sermon, spread guilt, or stand on my soapbox. It’s just a shout out to remind us to look up. So I sat down and brainstormed “8 Things Not to Abandon in the Technology Age”:
1. Giving someone your undivided attention.
Whether in a business meeting, eating lunch with a friend, or running into someone at the store, ignore your phone. A phone call or text message can wait a few minutes. Each time you use your phone, it signals that it’s more important than the person you’re with.
2. Writing thank you notes.
If someone was kind enough to purchase a gift, make you a meal, or in any other way bless you, then the best way you can reciprocate is by sending your thanks in handwritten form.
3. Taking your children to the library.
I love my Kindle, but there’s nothing like entering the sanctuary of reading material, perusing the shelves to find a treasure, and sitting down at the wooden tables to read a book.
4. Visiting with a friend over coffee.
I’m kept “in the know” through Facebook, and texts notify me of prayer requests and updates, but the greatest joy is to sit face to face, see a smile, and share your deepest heart with a friend.
5. Attending church.
I watch many of my favorite preachers online. Nothing can fire me up like an impassioned message from some of my favorite pastors. However, there is something special about corporate worship, being part of a community group, and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit in church.
6. Eating dinner as a family in a “no-phone zone.”
Children don’t often talk about all that’s happening in their lives, but they’re more apt to share over dinner with the family gathered and everyone chatting about their day. No distractions, no phones, no email—just great conversation and undivided attention.
7. Making children play outside.
Neighborhood playmates. Fun games like “Kick the Can” and “Red Rover.” Scraped knees and dirty fingernails. Sweat and sun-flushed faces. Priceless.
8. Playing games while traveling.
While traveling across country with my family, we spent hours playing license-tag bingo, “I spy,” and a hundred other activities to pass the miles. We laughed, bonded, and created unforgettable memories. Video games, movies, and iPads are great time-passers, but don’t neglect interaction or engagement.
These are only a few suggestions, but I challenge you to create your own that would make an impact on your life, your family, and those around you. I love technology! Give me my Kindle, iPad, internet, and Facebook and I can have so much fun. I just have to remember to put them down from time to time and observe the world around me. There are some amazing things to experience without a device in my hand.
