Being Present

Have you ever been to a concert? The amount of people taking picture to prove they made it to the show (or whatever logic they have of taking pictures) is astounding. As a society we seem to enjoy doing/having great experiences, but then we waste it behind a screen. Ironic that I am saying that since I’m typing this on a screen and I make so many videos, but I believe there has to be a balance. There is a time and place to have screens, but we can’t let that take away from experiencing life.

I have three areas of life that I believe we need to take a step back and unplug (to a point).

1. At work/school

Some work involves media. Jobs today require ads being placed, videos shared, posts being made. Those instances however are not personal. I think our addiction to our phones and the internet is prohibiting us from real work. People are wondering why they can’t get paid more or why they aren’t advancing in the company, well if you put the time wasted on media into bettering your work things may change for you.​​

​School, the work place of students, is flooded with people using media. Students are tweeting in class, people are creating drama and gossip and the rumors spread like wildfire. It’s harmful to development and to accountability. What’s said online isn’t nothing it can hurt. But to the ones being hurt, taking a step back from the screens will help you gain percpective on the world. Find time to figure out who your are as a person and don’t base it off likes on selfies.

​2. In conversation

A pet peeve of mine is being ignored in conversation. It drives me nuts trying to talk to someone and all they do is scroll through Facebook. Granted there are plenty of times when you can scroll and talk. Genuine conversation and connection though has to get rid of the barriers of media. When talking with people, seriously talking, we have to put down every distraction. Being present with people will increase the friendship. It’s allows you to be real. So, put down the phones, put aside the distractions, and actually communicate. Please for my sanity stop looking at pictures of dogs when I talk with you!!!

3. In worship

And one final area to unplug in is worship. Too often we get our Bibles, our coffees, and markers to set up the perfect “devo time” post. God doesn’t need any Instagram likes but he does want your time. Posting about devotions and actually spending time in devotion are two separate things. We have to learn to put God first. Give him time and be present. Just because your conversations with friends are filled with distractions doesn’t mean your conversation with God should be. Dog spelled backwards is God, but if you’re still distracted by pictures of dogs I’m done.

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I love media, I think phones are amazing, and I believe in our culture posting is actually a true form of community. There are times however, that we have to be present. Put the phone down. Leave the distractions behind. Truly connect. Connect with yourself, connect with others, and most importantly connect with God.

How will you find time this week to be present?