"She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise." Proverbs 31:27-28

I spotted her there in her beach chair, the ocean wide with families interacting, laughter and joy surrounding. Little boy sitting at her side, chattering, nudging, vying for attention.

She remained out of touch, face buried in phone.

The sickness prevails across the land - the sickness of disconnectedness.

I see it in shopping centers, restaurants, and parks; in homes, cars, and doctor's offices.

When I die, I don't want to be remembered as the mom/Gigi who cherished her phone.

I want to be present. I want to

Not electronically, although I often do, and there's a time and a place.

But we must - we are obliged, oh may we be compelled

to be present for our kids.

Mom, this summer, will you accept this challenge with me? While those kids are home from school, as you set up that water sprinkler, spend time at the pool, and just be present?

Take one picture and put down the phone. You can post it on Facebook and Instagram later - after the kids are in bed. It doesn't have to be done ASAP! No one - and I mean NO. ONE. is waiting with baited breath in social media world to view a picture of your kids at Disney World.

You do not work for Twitter. You don't draw a paycheck. Your family will not hungry because you didn't tweet every five minutes today.

Your job is here, right now.

1. Keep an eye on everyone.

2. Keep them busy and productive.

3. Build their respect for you.

4. Anticipate their praise, and that of your husband.

Why? Because you posted 20 pictures on social media and engaged with half your "friends" via likes, comments, and personal messages?

Nope.

Because you put that phone aside, walked away from it, and

did your job.

Let's emerge from the imaginary world this summer, mom. Before the iPhone, before the techno world, before blogging and Etsy shops, mothering was happening. I raised my kids in the 90's, without a phone attached to my hip - I had a

I know what you're thinking. "That was you, we live in a new age now, get with it."

I have an iPhone. I get incredibly sucked in, as Satan (probably gleefully) watches me disconnect and live a shadowy, shallow life, and that is why I'm asking - no, I'm begging you to join me in this venture.

What will it look like? I'm not going to list tips such as three basic steps to disconnect from the internet, or the trick to only engage on social media twice a day. It looks different for each person. All I'm saying is:

Put down the phone and walk away.

Enjoy the kids this sunny season. Enjoy your husband. Engage in family time, neighborhood deck parties, and yard sales.

Don't be that mom on the beach, out to lunch with all her Facebook "friends" while her little boy grows up accepting the belief that his position as second in line is the norm.

Just be the mom.

"She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise." Proverbs 31:27-28, MSG