Today church wasn’t normal for me. I am sick – I have a nasty cold, thanks to the babies in the Infant Room I run. I came in little late and sat in the back, off to the side, so that after the service I could make a hasty getaway and fully return to the brain fog that I was barely keeping at bay.
This was a new angle on the chapel for me; usually I’m closer to the front and can therefore do much less people watching. But from where I now was, I could see everyone – and most unfortunately, their phones.
Now I know that some people may have been on their phones because they were taking notes on what the speaker was saying, or looking up a scripture that was quoted. But let’s be honest, we all know what Facebook and Instagram look like – even from a distance.
This was a new angle on the chapel for me; usually I’m closer to the front and can therefore do much less people watching. But from where I now was, I could see everyone – and most unfortunately, their phones.
Now I know that some people may have been on their phones because they were taking notes on what the speaker was saying, or looking up a scripture that was quoted. But let’s be honest, we all know what Facebook and Instagram look like – even from a distance.
Can we not be separated from our phones and social media for one tiny, measly hour?
At work I look through a window and see girls (who should be interacting with the children they are teaching) scrolling through their phones when they think no one is looking.
As I walk from my car to my building I see people so absorbed in their hand-held-attention-sucker that they don’t even see me (whom they’ve just about plowed over). Even in my car while driving I see people with their eyes more on their phone than on the road.
I can’t claim to be a saint in this regard – I’ve been guilty of choosing my phone over my immediate surroundings. I’ve sat through entire classes in college where my phone hasn’t left my hand. But why?
At work I look through a window and see girls (who should be interacting with the children they are teaching) scrolling through their phones when they think no one is looking.
As I walk from my car to my building I see people so absorbed in their hand-held-attention-sucker that they don’t even see me (whom they’ve just about plowed over). Even in my car while driving I see people with their eyes more on their phone than on the road.
I can’t claim to be a saint in this regard – I’ve been guilty of choosing my phone over my immediate surroundings. I’ve sat through entire classes in college where my phone hasn’t left my hand. But why?
When did I get so self-absorbed? When did we all get so self-absorbed?
To think that it’s all about me; that I am the only important one here, the only one who’s time is worth-while. To think that we must be constantly catered to – that our desires, needs, and interests trump those of others.
When did we become so disrespectful?
We can’t give someone a few minutes of our time and attention – even for a church service or a college class we’re paying for. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been on a date and the person they’re with is on their phone. You’re left sitting there wondering if you’re really that boring or if the other person is just really that much of a jerk. This may be revolutionary, but I think you should actually talk to the person you’re with.
When did we become so lazy?
We use phones as a sort of shield so that we don’t have to step out of our comfort zones and actually interact with people around us. We use them so that we don’t have to pay attention. So that we can avoid learning. So that we can have a world of amusements at our fingertips.
Selfishness, disrespect, and laziness. These are great qualities for our generation to develop and expect from each other.
The irony is that in spite of this, deep down, we all hope chivalry still exists.
To think that it’s all about me; that I am the only important one here, the only one who’s time is worth-while. To think that we must be constantly catered to – that our desires, needs, and interests trump those of others.
When did we become so disrespectful?
We can’t give someone a few minutes of our time and attention – even for a church service or a college class we’re paying for. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been on a date and the person they’re with is on their phone. You’re left sitting there wondering if you’re really that boring or if the other person is just really that much of a jerk. This may be revolutionary, but I think you should actually talk to the person you’re with.
When did we become so lazy?
We use phones as a sort of shield so that we don’t have to step out of our comfort zones and actually interact with people around us. We use them so that we don’t have to pay attention. So that we can avoid learning. So that we can have a world of amusements at our fingertips.
Selfishness, disrespect, and laziness. These are great qualities for our generation to develop and expect from each other.
The irony is that in spite of this, deep down, we all hope chivalry still exists.
Chivalry is the opposite of the traits our generation is so carefully, and unknowingly, cultivating. Chivalry is about respect, service, and kindness. By definition it means possessing and demonstrating courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak.
But how can chivalry exist when we are actively doing the very things that destroy it?
Did it ever occur to any of us that this world, this life, and our time are not about us? It’s not about what I can get. It’s not about a free-ride (although the young woman advocating for free college tuition to be paid for by the upper class would disagree). It’s not about being constantly amused.
Happiness and fulfillment will never come through your phone. Happiness is only discovered by helping others find theirs. By relationships developed; lessons learned; respect shown; service given. In other words, through chivalry.
But how can chivalry exist when we are actively doing the very things that destroy it?
Did it ever occur to any of us that this world, this life, and our time are not about us? It’s not about what I can get. It’s not about a free-ride (although the young woman advocating for free college tuition to be paid for by the upper class would disagree). It’s not about being constantly amused.
Happiness and fulfillment will never come through your phone. Happiness is only discovered by helping others find theirs. By relationships developed; lessons learned; respect shown; service given. In other words, through chivalry.
If chivalry really is dead, it's only because we’ve chosen to kill it – one distraction at a time.