Last night I went to my grandson’s baseball game at which another spectator captured most of the game on her phone. There were very few minutes when she wasn’t taking a picture or video of a player on the field.
I’ve begun intentionally limiting the number of pictures and videos I take with my iPhone. I realized that when I’m focused on a screen, I am missing the moment. When you’re focused on the tech, you’re missing out on the experience.
I’ve pondered this before in “Seeing with our eyes.” While my phone was in my pocket, here are a few things I observed at the game last night:
- The gorgeous colors of an October sunset off in the distance. It’s only visible for a moment, and then it’s gone.
- The catcher was busy making tiny sandcastles in the dirt behind home plate, not all that interested in the game. It’s a good thing he was well-padded, since most of the pitches from the machine hit him right in the chest protector and mask.
- The other players on the team have really improved their hitting and fielding skills. The games become much more exciting as they move through the season.
- An assortment of cute babies and toddlers come along to watch older siblings play the game. They are fun to watch as they eat snacks, climb fences, run around, and eat more snacks.
- I saw a couple of herons soaring far overhead, making their way from one pond to the next. They fly in a perfectly straight line.
- A number of people around me in the bleachers weren’t watching the game at all. They were shopping on their phones. I understand. After all, the holidays are approaching and the best deals don’t last long.
There’s a balance. Of course you want to take a few photos. Capture the moment. But be in the moment, too. Be in the picture. Experience the performance and the people. Listen and laugh. Enjoy.
Waite for it... 