For the past week, I have been without a phone. My kids decided to surprise me with a new one for Christmas. They got it on a black Friday special. Since they live in a different State, and wanted to get it all set up before sending it, they had mine turned off and that one turned on. Sometime today the new one should be delivered. At the same time as not having a phone, we were in the Thanksgiving weekend. That has meant less days with JPay email So, I have not had any contact with my loved one since last Thursday.

For some of you, that is normal. Your phone calls and emails are very limited. Others are in the routine of talking on the phone every day, even several times a day. We can’t talk every day on the phone, but we do send emails every day… although weekends we don’t receive them. We just count it a blessing to receive extra on Mondays.

The lack of our regular contact has made the last few days harder for us. But as I think about it, I realize we are so spoiled. Not very many years ago, no one had cell phones. Emails have not been around forever. In fact, there are still people who don’t have either in their homes. Most people became so quickly accustomed to both of those that they don’t know how to live without them. Well, emails have been replaced by social media, which makes one wonder what will take the place of social media.

I am not opposed to modern methods of contact, but I do think we should all evaluate how much we have allowed them to control us. How often do you see people sitting with friends or family and not even talking because they are all on their devices? People miss what is going on around them because of being tuned in to others who are not there. Those who were waiting for that time of being with you may feel neglected. Children are often in that category. All they want is you, your attention. But all they see is you looking down at your device.

I know of a group of teenage girls who will go out to eat, but put all their phones in the middle of the tableThey decided to enjoy each other’s company instead of being together physically, but disconnected in every other way. They allow everyone to check for messages one time for a minute or two, and then phones go back on the table. I think that is a practice that would be good for everyone to participate in. We would be more engaged in each other’s lives and enjoy the moment more.

Maybe we should all try that, especially during the Christmas season. What if we actually talked to people instead of ignoring those around us? What if we set up some device etiquette that had respect for the feelings of others? What if we found we liked playing board games and such with others instead of online? What if we learned the art of talking again instead of just typing? What if?