Week 236

Positive post Sunday, August 29, 2021- Week 236. 

I’ll start this PPS with the well-known saying, “You are never too old to learn”.  And, as Russell Nelson notes, “You are never too old to change”.

I learned a few lessons this week.  After writing about the challenges with negativity all over social media last week (one of the reasons I started my PPSs over 4 years ago), I came across a preview of a very thoughtful and thought-provoking movie while on, of all places, social media (Facebook) this week.  First lesson learned; there are other positive posts on social media, you just need to look for them😊.  After seeing the preview, I went home and watched the movie, “An interview with God”.  A terrific movie, I recommend you watch it.  

Also, this past Sunday, our pastor Fr-Erik Esparza spoke about the significant impact “smartphones” have on our daily lives.  As most of us have experienced, in addition to using them to simply make a call or take a photo, we can also use them to video chat (Facetime), look something up (Google), get a ride (Uber) and order virtually anything and have it delivered to our homes (Amazon/Door Dash), all at the tips of our fingers.  Although many of these features are helpful and offer us conveniences, smartphones can also control our lives if we let them.  Smartphone addiction is a real concern, just “Google” it.  

Most of us have also experienced or been the victims of the dark side of smartphones, like the distractions and temptations associated with using them in inappropriate and destructive ways.  Examples include viewing and sharing offensive images, sharing hurtful and harmful messages, replacing quality in person time with texts and messages and texting or messaging while driving.  Using smartphones in these ways can have life changing or even life ending consequences.

With all that as background, Fr. Erik provided my second lesson this week; we can also use our smartphones in positive, constructive and enriching ways that help us grow personally, professionally, and spiritually!  In addition to writing positive posts😊, examples include, using our smartphones to read the Bible by downloading a bible app, read and share spiritual, uplifting and educational information, share motivational and inspirational experiences and stories.  Fr. Erik reminded us that we can also review our church’s website to stay abreast of church events, education and services available.  I would add that we should not only look for services we can receive, but more importantly, we should explore opportunities to serve our church community and therefore our Lord.

What lessons did you learn this past week?  What changes have you made to improve yourself?

How do you leverage your smartphone to advance your personal, professional and spiritual growth?

How can you use your smartphone to take better care of yourself?