How many of you made sure before you went to bed last night that your cellphone was plugged in? Why do we do this? The answer is usually, “so it has power when I need it”. If we don’t plug in our phones, they want be much use to us.  We make it a habit to keep them plugged in at night, throughout the day, and even when we are driving in our cars. The average individual spends 4 to 5 hours per day on their phones. This can add up to 70 days a year spent on or using our phones.  WOW! that is crazy. So how does that affect us? Excessive cell phone use can lead to physical and metal issues, such as neck pain, back pain, eye strain, sleep disturbance and even depression. It is clear what we think is helping us is really harming us.

Recently I was asked,” Do you think people have more empathy for each other now or in the past”. I quickly said, “in the past”.  Research has shown that increased social media exposure has greatly affected our empathy for each other. Empathy is defined as, “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. 

So, we can see that being plugged into to our cell phones so much is affecting us physically, mentally, and even emotionally. How can we change this?

 What if we were plugged into the Word of God, our relationship with the Lord, prayer, meditation, and acts of kindness? Would we see attitudes change? Would our interactions with others improve? Would we be more focused on who we are in Christ and less focused on who social media and society says we are? These are all very important questions to ask yourself. 

When we stay plugged in and connected to God; we can find direction in life, experience inner peace that the things of this world can’t give, increase our strength and resilience, have a sense of purpose, improve relationships with others, and have a greater understanding of our own value.

 “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”  (James 4:8) “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10) “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”  (Isaiah 40:31) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Are you ready to get plugged into a life-giving source? It will change your life forever. How great would it be if we stayed plugged into God nightly, throughout the day or even while we are riding in our cars.  You know this world would be much better if we stayed connected to the one true power source, Jesus Christ. Let this change start with you. Give Him some of your time today. You want regret it.

Until next time, remember you are loved, you are special, and you are important.

Lesley Rigsby, RN