Anyone that knows me, knows that I love my gadgets, so for me to decide to separate myself from one of them, will come as a great shock.  But it is something that I feel like I need to at least experiment with.

It occurred to me the other day, that I waste way too much time on my cell phone.  I have to have it near me at all times, like some kind of security blanket.  I am not so sure if this is for my benefit or for the benefit of those that I think want to get in touch with me.  I am going to try during the month of January to leave it in one location – truck or desk, so that I will have to go and check it.  Why would I do such a thing?

1.  People deserve my undivided attention!  I think that it is totally disrespectful to be in a conversation with someone and in the middle of the conversation to take a call from someone else.  If the call is important, the person calling can leave a message and I will return the call as soon as possible and this actually shows respect to both parties.  Relationships are important, in fact they are vital in this life and if someone is willing to give me face time, then I need to give them my very best and uninterrupted face.

2.  I need to stay focused on the task at hand!  So many times, I am working on a project, get a call and then drop the project to tend to what may or may not be more important.  This often leaves a lot of unresolved projects at the end of the day, which leads to my being frustrated and not my best for anyone.  Also the temptation to pull out my smart phone and check social media often gets in the way of my getting started on projects that need my attention.

3.  I can do better, want to do better and need to do better!  While the phone is often helpful, it also can be a major distraction, especially to my accomplishing the tasks that I was created for.  Bottom line:  I want my phone to be a help, not a hindrance.  I know that this will not be easy for me or for those trying to get in touch with me, but it is a small baby step that I feel like I need to take to be a better and more effective servant to others.

So, here I go into 2014 with the first of many challenges that I believe will make my life and the lives of those around me better.  And that is a good thing, because I believe that life is all about learning to live blessed!