In the early days of my parenting career, I had a Bible by my bedside and another one next to my nursing chair. Every morning, I’d reach for my brown leather-bound Bible and pick up reading where I’d left off the day before.
My life was naturally shaped by the rhythm of starting my busy but blessed days with God. It changed my attitude and helped me to love my family. It was the continual reminders of God’s grace that helped me to be gracious and kind.
My first smartphone was purchased when my two older boys were aged three and one and I had just become pregnant with our third boy. Looking back, I wonder how “smart” it was for me to get that phone during such a busy mothering season. Of course, at the time I didn’t know that this device would become a distraction, keeping me from fully being present with my family and the Lord.
The constant ringing of the phone and the interaction with friends and family made it difficult to connect with the Lord. My Bible was often pushed aside in the morning as I reached for my phone. Even when I opened my Bible application, I was unintentionally distracted.
More than a decade after my first visit, I have found…
