I don’t care much for cell phones. I know some people call them “smart,” but I can’t say I agree. From what I can tell, these mini computers are nothing but a distraction aimed at keeping people interested in everything but their present company. (Not to mention the teeny tiny buttons are far too small for any dog to attempt to navigate and they are capable of producing sounds that hurt my little doggie ears). They are good for keeping in touch with loved ones, but (in my humble opinion) they are otherwise overused.
My mom apparently shared my feelings (albeit temporarily) today as she was so frustrated with her phone she verbally considered throwing it as hard as she could into the hardwood floor. (That’s the thing about computers – they have a way of crashing when we need them most). I stood at the ready as I do with all things about to be thrown and was highly disappointed when she didn’t follow through with her destructive plot.
As I mourned the loss of yet another battle (me versus the phone for my mom’s undivided attention), I reminded myself the real purpose of these phones. (As much as I occasionally wish they were), they are not akin to tennis balls. They are designed to make and receive calls. Therein lies its greatest blessing.
If only we had phones capable of calling us to our purpose in life. Not our job, our career, or our hobby. I’m talking about our true purpose and meaning for breathing. That is a phone I would stand behind. But alas, no such invention exists (yet) so we are left to our own devices to receive our higher calling in life. Or are we?
“No other (person) on Earth can do what you are called to do, can give to the world what you alone were sent to give through your authentic gifts,” writes Sarah Ban Breathnach in Simple Abundance. “The call may be so faint you can barely make out the message, but if you listen you will hear it.”
If you listen you will hear it. Not the incessant chiming, chirping, beeping, vibrating and singing songs those cell phones make. Because let’s face it. Even those mini computers sometimes really aren’t that “smart.” Instead be still. Listen closely. Your heart may just hold an answer your mind has been too distracted to hear.
Wiley's Wisdom 
I think it’s time I got a little dog to write for me…
We do like writing. 😉
My Wilson is equally as wise, and approaches life with a joie de vivre that us humans so often lose. Wilson has it sussed. Daddy, sticks, balls, food, sleep in that order. That’s all that matters to him. If he has Daddy, all is well with the world, sticks and balls and food will appear when needed. Sometimes even mummy can be relied upon to provide!
Phones! Grrrr. You’re right, W. They steal Mom’s attention from what really matters – ME. She does not listen to her inner voice telling her that her purpose in life is to cuddle with me.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I knew you’d agree with me on this one, dear Cupcake. Darn it when our people don’t listen to their true purpose that revolves around us. 😉
My cell phone is off almost all the time in my purse. I only have it on when I am in town doing errands in case anyone at home needs to get ahold of me or visa versa!
That sounds like a great way to go! 🙂
It is! 😉
Reblogged this on Patsy's Creative Corner and commented:
I love Wiley! He’s so wise……….
Wiley, you have done a great job on writing this post and I agree, although, I do love my phone! However, they are a big distraction…in schools, in jobs, when friends hang out, everyone seems to be plugged in, instead of enjoying each others company…I think all this new technology is going to be the death of communication, rather than the benefit. I could be wrong, though, and I, too, love the computer (typing right now :)) and I’m just learning about SoundCloud for reading my poetry, but it’s all very overwhelming! Anyway, I do agree and I love your ending..very profound. We all should stop and listen.
Take care, Lauren 🙂
p.s. thanks for all your visits, too!
Hello friend,
You make a good point. I do rely on my computer as a means to share my joy with the world, so I should be careful with my judgment of cell phone use. But I suppose there is some peace in knowing this is another way of enjoying the company of others (like yourself) in supplement to our physical company. I enjoy SoundCloud as a means to share your poetry too. Mom published her first poem at 15 and won a spoken word contest in the process. Poetry is an art form. Keep up the great work!
Lots of love,
Wiley
How exciting to have had your Mom publish her first poem at 15 by reading it! Wow! I’m still getting used to my voice and I think it’s going to take awhile! 🙂 I love the computer and in addition to my blog, I have a personal fb, a fb for my blogging friends and my poetry fb page. If you’re on fb, too, mine is under Lauren Scott. Anyway, it’s absolutely ridiculous, but it’s also fun. I just have to clean the house once in awhile! (wink) Thanks for your encouraging words, Wiley, and I may be slow in visiting, but I’ll get here and I do enjoy reading your posts! Love, Lauren
Dear Lauren,
I do know what you mean about it being hard to hear your own self reading your words, but take it from a reader/listener – you sound great! Please find me on Facebook – there are a lot of Lauren Scotts out there and I’d love to be pals with you on there too. Thanks for your kind words about the blog – they keep me going with this daily posting business. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
Aww…thanks, Wiles! You make me smile and yes, I guess Lauren Scott isn’t all original, so I will look for you! ♥
Smiles are contagious. I love that about them. 🙂
Love,
Your soon-to-be Facebook friend
I completely agree with you, Wiley! I have caught myself in the past glued to my cell phone, then suddenly realizing that Taylor is at my feet staring at me, probably wishing for the attention that I was giving to my stinkin’ cell phone! Now, I am making it a point to only be on my cell or computer whenever she is sleeping. As you beautifully said, I need to take the time to stop and appreciate the present moment. 🙂
Dear Jessica,
Another blog friend of mine over at “The Presence of Presence” was the first to share with me the meaningful play on words. The present is indeed a present in which we should be present. 🙂 I’m with Taylor on this one.
😉 Wiley
“If only we had phones capable of calling us to our purpose in life.” Lovely, Wyles!
Wouldn’t that be nice? Maybe you and I should create the prototype for that phone and make all kinds of money from our fabulous creation. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wyles
🙂 🙂 🙂
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Sometimes Smartphones aren’t so smart.
Sometimes I think these so called “smart phones” are smarter than some people. I went to a restaurant with a friend one night and the family at the next table – mother, father and eleven-year-old boy seemed to have no idea that this could be a good bonding time. The boy had his I-pad with him and played with it the whole time he ate his dinner — with his other hand. I so understand your Mom’s desire to throw hers on the floor.
Ha. I love your stories. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles