Connected Holidays- Mark Hamby

I get these from a wonderful, Godly man through his company.  They are pretty good little devotional type e-mails.  I have had lots of eye-openers to Scripture and life. I thought I would share this one with you- especially with Christmas coming up! 

Recently I received a letter from a listener who shared about her family connectedness during Thanksgiving. She hadn't seen some members of her family for over six years and couldn't wait to hear all about God's blessings over the years. Hugs and kisses abounded as family arrived from across the country.

As the great reunion began, she shut down her laptop and phone, as there were only a few precious days to be shared. Sadly, even before coats were removed, all sorts of buzzing and beeping went off. Instantly mom, dad, and their two children tuned in to their iPhones. Every conversation was interrupted. At the Thanksgiving dinner--a gathering that had not been shared together for over twenty years--some family members continually received text messages from friends during the mealtime celebration. Led by example, one of the children came to the table with her phone and iPod, thinking nothing of it. 

This situation is heartbreaking for some, but seemingly normal for others. Should we raise the white flag of surrender? No, we need not be controlled by new technology. What we need is to prioritize our lives and our relationships, and have the discipline to turn our phones off--particularly when we are eating or conversing. It is a matter of good manners and consideration. There are times, of course, when you might be expecting an important call or text; if that is the case, simply let your guest know in advance that you may need to take a call during your conversation.

As we reestablish rules of courtesy and consideration in our own lives, then hopefully our children will follow.

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous" (1 Peter 3:8).

Love,

Rebecca