Why I'm Using My Smartphone Smarter In 2015

A few things are happening in my life right now that all seem to lead to the same conclusion. One, I am nursing a baby. That means lots of time where I simply sit and can't do much else. If you know me at all, you know I don't like to sit. So in those moments I find myself occupying the time with my smartphone. That leads to another thing that is happening right now: lots of pointless Facebook and Instagram browsing. Fortunately, that browsing led me to an awesome devotional the other day from M. Russell Ballard, in which he addresses "use of technology." And the final thing happening is...New Years. A time for reviewing life and making goals. When you put all those things together, you've got me realizing that I spend too much time on my phone doing mindless things, that Elder Ballard is awesome and motivates me to use technology with a purpose, and finally that I should attempt to use my phone wisely in 2015.

I think this is a good goal for me, and maybe you want to join in. Feel free to pin or share this little motivating caption:

Elder Ballard elaborates a little on what it means to use your phone with purpose, or as he puts it, to be your phone's master.

"Handheld devices, such as smartphones, are a blessing, but they can also distract us from hearing the “still, small voice.” They need to be our servants, not our masters. For example, if later tonight you share inspiring thoughts from this devotional on social media, your smartphone is a servant. If you randomly surf the Internet, your smartphone is a master."

I'd like to think I'm smarter than my smartphone, so I'll take the roll of master, thank you.

When I first saw the link to this devotional on Facebook, I was drawn in by the question, "Be honest. Are there distractions that are keeping you from hearing that 'still, small, voice'? Is it your cell phone, email, or television?" If I'm being completely honest, then YES! I feel distant to God even though I am praying morning and night, and reading the bible every day! I've been wondering why, and how to get back on track. So I jumped on the chance to read Elder Ballard's inspired words. Here is how he puts the question in his talk:

Eek. I don't want to admit what my cell phone usage was the day I read this. I actually went into my settings and checked. Then I thought about how neglected my girls might be feeling if they perceived this phone was more important than them. That's when I decided I'd do much better.

It feels good to plan on using my phone with a purpose. I will not mindlessly browse social media. I will try to avoid the comparison trap we often get caught in when scrolling through blogs or pinterest. I will use my phone to find ways to better myself. The vision filled my mind of how powerful I can be by simply sitting here with my phone. Together we can create dreams for the future and invest time in spiritual growth. I would much rather spend time on things that are going to benefit myself and my family, than sit here and pointlessly browse the Internet while my kids feel left out.

So those are my reasons for using my smartphone smarter in 2015. Check out Elder Ballard's article and make some resolutions of your own.