There was a new commercial on television the other day doing its best to sell the newest smart phone on the market. It made it sound like you could solve all of your problems if you just bought this device with its countless functions and applications. After it was over I looked down at my simple flip phone that I used mainly as a pocket watch and sometimes to call my daughter. Then I smiled and slipped it back in my pocket. I didn't want that fancy new phone. I knew there were no apps for the things that were truly important in my life.

Apps can't give you a child's love. They can't give you a dog's loyalty. They can't give you God's grace. Apps can't give you a hug. They can't share a smile. They can't kiss your cheek. Apps can't hold your hand. They can't share your troubles. They can't touch your heart. Apps' eyes don't twinkle when they tell a story. They don't laugh at a good joke. They can't sing when the spirit moves them. Apps can't breath in the cold, fresh air on a Winter's morning. They can't watch the sunset over the mountains. They can't count the stars at night. Apps can't make you a home cooked meal. They can't smell a Spring flower. They can't hear birdsong in the trees. Apps don't do acts of kindness. They can't share moments of joy. They can't spread love to another's heart. Apps can't thank Heaven for a new day. They can't pray. They can't connect you to God, His love, and His light.

A new study, in fact, says that cell phones can actually drain our daily happiness from us. Perhaps it is because they distract us from what truly makes us happy. Don't be afraid then to turn them off once in a while. Take the time to watch a sunset, pet a dog, and pray. God didn't put us here to stare at a screen all day long. God put us here to live, to laugh, and to love. God put us here to help each other, to be happy together, and to make Earth more like Heaven.