My 14-year-old son graduated from middle school this year. There was a ceremony for the kids on the school’s football field. Several of the faculty and students participated by giving speeches, receiving awards, etc. Of course, the highlight for me was when my son walked up to the stage and received his three awards. In addition to that moment, though, the principal’s speech really hit home for me.
The 2016-17 school year will be his last because he is retiring. This older gentleman spoke about “being in the moment.” He asked that everyone put their cell phones away and focus on the surroundings – to think about things like the beautiful sunny morning, the trees that towered behind the stadium and even the thoughts of the graduates at the time.
The principal said that by having so much of our time invested in watching the screens of whatever electronic device we choose, we are missing out on so much. A baby’s first smile, your child’s first perfect dive off the diving board at the pool, that perfect person for you…it all could be there and gone in a few seconds - missed opportunities and milestones because of the addiction of constantly checking our devices.
I am definitely not without guilt when it comes to this, but after that speech, I try to watch my usage. Time flies as it is and I would rather focus on my family and friends as well as my surroundings rather than social media trying to determine who I was in my past life or what cartoon character describes me best.
;)
