Recently, I had to update the operating system on my phone. This is always a scary proposition as often the upgrade changes the look, and consequently the way I have to navigate through the phone. (I don’t do well with technological learning curves.) Occasionally it even comes with a few new glitches. However, this time, I received an unexpected surprise that I have quite enjoyed.
My phone asked me if I wanted to chose the “Will not receive notifications while you are driving” option. (Or something close to that.) I thought about it for a moment and clicked yes. Great decision.
I often have occasion to drive long distances as all of my family live out of the area. On these trips I will plug in my phone to charge, but will also have it open to see if I have an incoming message. Unfortunately, I have not been disciplined enough to let the message rest, and will log in (yes, while driving) and then pull up the message and read it (yes, while driving), and sometimes I will respond (though that part is hands free).
These texts have never been urgent and most likely never would be. If they had been, then I am sure the messenger would have called me––not messaged me.
So now, with my new Do Not Disturb app, there is no reason to keep checking my phone. My concentration is focused totally on the trip, so I am less distracted, less anxious, and more at peace, and much more able to enjoy my surroundings. I usually stop every two to three hours anyway to stretch my legs or get gas, and I have found that no major world crises have occurred during the time I wasn’t available. And the messages I did receive did not suffer because of the wait.
I need a “Will not receive notifications while I am having my devotions” setting on my life. What a difference my quiet time would be. It doesn’t take much to distract me. A flicker outside the window. A ping on my phone. The site of my iPad and remembering I have some unused lives on Candy Crush. The thought that I haven’t checked the stocks that day or the weather for the week (both of which can really put a person off their game plan). It really doesn’t matter. Any and all can throw me off.
However, when I do manage to quiet my mind and calm my heart. When I am able to sit in silence and read, then listen, then talk to God, the road of life gets a little bit easier to navigate, the future less confusing, and I am less anxious and much more at peace.
My phone asked me if I wanted to chose the “Will not receive notifications while you are driving” option. (Or something close to that.) I thought about it for a moment and clicked yes. Great decision.
I often have occasion to drive long distances as all of my family live out of the area. On these trips I will plug in my phone to charge, but will also have it open to see if I have an incoming message. Unfortunately, I have not been disciplined enough to let the message rest, and will log in (yes, while driving) and then pull up the message and read it (yes, while driving), and sometimes I will respond (though that part is hands free).
These texts have never been urgent and most likely never would be. If they had been, then I am sure the messenger would have called me––not messaged me.
So now, with my new Do Not Disturb app, there is no reason to keep checking my phone. My concentration is focused totally on the trip, so I am less distracted, less anxious, and more at peace, and much more able to enjoy my surroundings. I usually stop every two to three hours anyway to stretch my legs or get gas, and I have found that no major world crises have occurred during the time I wasn’t available. And the messages I did receive did not suffer because of the wait.
I need a “Will not receive notifications while I am having my devotions” setting on my life. What a difference my quiet time would be. It doesn’t take much to distract me. A flicker outside the window. A ping on my phone. The site of my iPad and remembering I have some unused lives on Candy Crush. The thought that I haven’t checked the stocks that day or the weather for the week (both of which can really put a person off their game plan). It really doesn’t matter. Any and all can throw me off.
However, when I do manage to quiet my mind and calm my heart. When I am able to sit in silence and read, then listen, then talk to God, the road of life gets a little bit easier to navigate, the future less confusing, and I am less anxious and much more at peace.
RSS Feed