#5 from the list of seven changes
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talk face to face instead of using a device
I wrote this one because i have become dependent on the devices. And i know that i’m not the only one. I think that i have this sure and instant connection to another person. And it’s pretty easy to believe this, until the person is not here anymore and all i have left is a name on my cell phone, or a picture on facebook.
Another reason is because i find myself distracted from those around me. But, if i’m speaking to people face to face, then the people around me and the people that i am with get first dibs. The phone and computer will be second in line to the face to face.
It’s great to have the convenience of the devices. But, convenience should not turn into continually having priority on my attention.
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✜
A LITTLE SOMETHIN' 
Hope it is going well for you. I try to live this way at work. I often walk to other parts of the campus instead of email or phone
i like your practice at work. I have noticed that i have made some choices along these lines. So, i guess it does help to write them down and think about them.
Face to face is the best, but communication is important no matter how it happens. Sometimes it is easier for me to write a letter, than to say something to someone. (and I am not a good writer)
You make a good point with the letter writing. I have done this before. It was much better to collect all my thoughts and then present them. Also, it was better for the reader to be able to have time to think about what i wrote. One type of communication can be better than others for some things.
My grandparents had a phone similar to that. You had to listen closely to the order of rings to know who the call was for. Listening seemed to be the key.
Listening.
It’s a very big key.
Thanks.
I am thinking of a young woman with a disease that kept her home-bound and eventually even her dog could not go outside. She ministered to so many people through her computer. She went to be with the Lord last year and the immense outpouring from all over was incredible. She had made such a tremendous difference in so many lives without ever seeing them.
I reach out through my computer—am too weary in the evening or weekends to do the ‘in-person’ connection. Without my computer, I would be so isolated and I would not be able to minister in the way He has me minister. Imiss the in-person connection and can get to feeling quite down about it, but then I put it in perspective and realize that the key is following where God leads and for some it is indeed with the keyboard, monitor, and modem.
I would never have met you without the help of the computer and I so cherish our ‘talks’. I don’t have to see your face to truly hear you and connect with you.
I understand what you are saying and agree. I think the key is balance.
You are right. And i am grateful to have you as a friend. It sounds like i could do a little more face to face and you could do with a little less of it.
In the stores i will see a parent with a small child. The parent is talking away on the phone…and not paying any attention to the child at all. I see it quite often. So i wonder sometimes, just how much they do it. The child is just getting pulled around and gets in trouble if they talk.
I go out to eat and people take calls while they are with other people.
In my own life and my family, telephone and computer has taken priority.
And balance is a really good idea.
To think, …and decide when to use the phone and computer, and when to allow for time without them.
Oh I seriously do not like the use of cell phones except how you would have used the land line—in private. I don’t get how folks think it’s okay to force their personal life on others. I also do not understand all this ‘poking’ of a tiny device —well if you’re waiting in the doctor’s office, yes, but in a restaurant, store, and anytime in the presence of someone else. I am always embarrassed when I get a call in a public place.
My son texts me and that is much less intrusive.
My husband calls and then I can’t hear what he’s saying and it’s even more embarrassing to have to prolong the conversation. Sometimes I am curt–and as in the case of the library, rude. But I am rarely called on my cell, so I know it’s a family member or very close friend and that they have first tried home; therefore, I answer.
The students pressed to be able to use their phones at lunch and when I walk in, I see all these kids zoned in on a device while a live person sits next to them. A lot of kids still talk and laugh though with each other, but their cells are there, ever ready to intrude.
We compromised because the phones are not permitted to be on in class and there are 3 levels of consequences with the 3rd being the principal keeping the phone for 30 days. And stupidly, that has happened. (I would have remembered after m phone went off the first time and I would not have thought to text someone while in class.)
But while your child is with you in a grocery store? No!
It’s hard young people to understand life with out cell phones. It would do them good to have a get away somewhere that they are not used. Like camp or something. I sure was refreshed after the retreat, where there was no cell or internet. (There was a land-line number in case of emergency.)
I have to take it a step further and look the person in the eye when we speak with one another. The other night I had dinner with a friend and noticed that I often looked down at the table instead of up at her when I talked. (But I always looked at her when she talked.)
I’m not sure what i do. I will have to pay attention to find out.
Amen!