I couldn't help but notice everyone around me. I was the only one without a cell phone. As I closely observed those around me, I quickly became aware that no one noticed. I could stare at each and every person for awkwardly long periods of time and no one noticed. Sometimes, I could even enter and exit and it seemed. for those around me, that it was as if it never happened. Who was everyone talking to? What was so important at 7:00am on a Monday morning?
As I went about my day I quickly noticed that people walking, people waiting, and even people eating where all conspicuously speaking with someone via text. I immediately thought to myself how old I must truly be that this would be a bother to me. Upon further reflection, I realized that I was not simply a begrudged old man refusing to embrace new technologies. I was upset about the lack of awareness. There are people around us that want to talk! There are people around us that long for relationship and community!
Then it hit me. This was our answer. The constant connectivity of cell phones was offering the users what they desired. Connections. The immediate and much more "real" connections were being lost and ignored in the mean time. It seemed that everyone someone went, they were constantly setting up or talking about the next thing. On the bus in the morning: texting plans for lunch time. At lunch: texting plans for after work. After work: texting plans for the evening: In the evening: texting plans for the next morning. And on and on the circle went.
When does it stop? When do people simplly enjoy their surroundings and truly get to know one another? How do those physically in the same space grow closer?
Many words always come to mind when my mind spins in this direction. The words of Jesus in Matthew 6:34 (look it up) are a few of them.
It is my hope that we stop our habit of getting ready to live and just live!
No comments:
Post a Comment