
Kevin Nealon
I used to think only those lame people who had too much time on their hands played "those stupid games". And then I got the new phone . . . Guess who's lame now?
What exactly is the attraction? I took so many psychology courses in college I could probably have a minor, so I should be able to figure out my personal addiction, right?
But wait, what about all that down time in lines at Walmart, or while the laundry finishes drying or in between classes? Oh good, now I'm addicted and rationalizing.

Even the granddaughter taunts me, "Allie, my dad is on level ??? on Candy Crush. What level are you on?"
And then, are you ready for this? At an Easter gathering, you know, with the people I love most and who have dealt with the backlash of addictions, they start talking about "Trivia Crack".
Okay, we're all about "trivia" in our family, had the whole shelf in the hall closet full of Trivial Pursuit games at one time. Are we a bunch of nerds, or what? I should have seen it coming when they started whipping out their phones. My sister was playing Trivia Crack while we were engaged in a rousing game of Uno.
PAUSE: Am I the only person on the planet who did not know that nearly every card/box (hands on) game is available in an app? Duuuhhh!
Back on topic: how does something seemingly innocent become such a distraction? Is it addiction or merely an indulgence? Can our indulgences be all bad?
Guess what? I don't know the answers to those questions. I do know what works for me is trying to maintain a balance between the "need tos" and the "want tos", and remembering that life without either one can have negative consequences for me and those I share my life with.
Do you have a personal indulgence or distraction? How do you manage to keep it in balance?
I'm linking this post to Giving Up on Perfect and Coffee for Your Heart.

1 God is so good to Israel,
to those whose hearts are pure.
2 But I almost slipped and lost my balance.
I almost fell into sin.