Face-To-Face

If you’re the average American, you probably spend an average of 49 days a year on your phone. In addition, you probably unlock your phone an average of 80 times a day.

ABC News’ Diane Sawyer spent six months traveling around the country talking to families, teachers, doctors and even tech insiders on how screen time is affecting us and what we can do about it. During Sawyer’s special, they gave a #ScreenTime Challenge, a challenge to check how much time you spend on your phone and then reflecting on your habits.

So, when was the last time you checked how much time you spent on your phone? Are you surprised at which apps you’re using the most? How might you use one hour of your time differently? Have you ever come to this conclusion? I spend too much time on my phone.

So many of us would quickly say we’re super busy most of the time. But, when it all comes down to what we’re doing in our busyness, we might not want to totally admit our screen time.

I can find it easier to pick up my phone than stop and practice the presence of God. A phone is tangible and something I can physically touch. I can quickly connect with all sorts of things. But God???? God is not seen. I can’t physically touch Him. But I can relate to God. I can practice His presence.

2 Corinthians 4:18 states “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” When we invite God into our space, we practice keeping company with Him. He becomes our preoccupation. He is whom we commune with, even though unseen.

There is more to life than efficiency and productivity. Face-to-face time with God is rich and meaningful. It changes us as we become more aware of His presence and work in our life.

In addition, face-to-face time with people is powerful. Take time to really look into the eyes of those you love. See people through the eyes of God. Instead of a text, call them up. Let them know how much you mean to them. Notice how things change when your focus changes.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.