Christie and I were recently dining out after a long day at work. As we were both seated at our table, I noticed another couple nearby, who apparently were living in their own world. Unfortunately, they were so caught up in their own individual interests, that they never even made eye contact with each other for long periods of time. In other words, here was another couple who were much more interested in their cyber world inside their own cell phones than anything going on in their immediate real world surroundings.

As they sat there in silence, I noticed a waitress who stopped at their table to fill up their coffee cups. She carefully poured the coffee, but this self-absorbed man and woman were too “busy” to even acknowledge her gracious service, much less offer a “thank you”. There are many reasons why we all devote too much time to our electronic devices, but to be so consumed and focused on a small cell phone while we miss real opportunities to interact with the world around us, is dangerously tragic.

This was yet another reminder for me and Christie. How interesting and sad that a couple who were actually older than us (imagine that! Ha!), had reached a point in their life where the only thing that could hold their interest for the moment was a small hand-held screen. Knowing I have been given a second chance at life, I am probably more aware of my surroundings, and how much wasted time I myself have spent on my phone and how important it is to enjoy the relationships God has given me. Sometimes they are sitting right across the dinner table from us, and that is why I never want to lose sight of my bride and her interests, even if I have to ignore your important phone call or Facebook post. No, the devices are not evil, but let’s remember Paul’s words in Ephesians 5, to make the most of our time, because the days we live in are evil. You would probably laugh at the times I have failed to blog! When given the choice, I prefer face to face communication (or by radio!), but for the sake of this blog, that simple dinner was a great reminder for me and Christie to be more aware of our surroundings, and most importantly each other!