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| Yeah, I know those of you who know me personally are thinking, "Coffee? That girl prefers steamed milk or hot cocoa!" But, this is a link-up, and I'm participating...and sitting down with some hot milk. |
So, awhile back, I posted a thought by my husband. He had it while flying to a business destination, and I've been thinking about it. I thought a little about Christmas, and how my children complained that we had taken down the decorations. "Why don't we celebrate that way all year?" they asked.
I gave my answer to them some thought, and my mind came back to my husband's writings. If we kept the glitter and glitz up all year long, it wouldn't be exciting, or special anymore. And there are other holidays to celebrate with vigor and excitement, such as Easter, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc. Each of them have a fun side (seeing family, decorating) and a thoughtful, worshipful side (yes, even the 4th! Think of how blessed we are to live in this nation. That holiday makes me cry each year as we sing our national anthem and put our hands over our hearts during parades as the flag passes by...might be because both of my parents are veterans, but either way I hope my children feel the same).
Another thing that crossed my mind was my facebook account. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy seeing the photos of old friends' children, seeing how they grow, learning about who married who from my hometown, and seeing what is new--especially since we've moved so many times and otherwise I'd lose track of people. There are so many great people I've met at each location, those who I really want to keep in touch with, and facebook does save me time in that area, as I can write short notes to them frequently and get photo updates. However, what of the people I used to talk to on the phone frequently? Has our relationship disintegrated?
There have also been times that I waited for a reply to an email from a NEIGHBOR to see if it was OK for me to stop by. Prior to having an account, I would have stopped by anyway, then if it was a bad time, excused myself and returned at another time. We had more interaction then, but now I worry about interfering in her life (yet I'd be excited if she--or any other--stopped by, so why don't I realize they might be excited, too, rather than worrying that I'd be a bother?)
So, as usual, my thinking gives me more questions than answers. However, I feel it was worth pondering, and I might have taught myself a thing or two. What about you? Do you long for how your relationships used to be? Before technology? Or has it made your life better? And yes, I see the irony in this post being written electronically.
Hi, I'm visiting from Company Girls. I wonder about alot of those same things. We lived on a street populated by older people and people living near poverty for a year and they were always outside ready to talk. We moved due to the dangers of the area and because we were able to and in the safer area it is so much harder to get to know people as no one is outside ready to talk. We're texting, or facebooking, or (appreciating the irony) blogging.
ReplyDeleteI do long for the closeness that used to be. However, for me it is less because of technology and more because of the busy, crazy lives we lead. Sports and dance and activities make having meaningful relationships so much harder. It is why we have cut back on many activities but we still have trouble because of other people's business. It is sad...reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha. We are worried and upset about many things but miss out on so much of what is important!
ReplyDeleteIf I lived next door I'd come by and have a cup of hot cocoa with you in a heartbeat! I went back and read your husband's thoughts and it gave me pause. I so often want to capture these memories, but sometimes shouldn't the memory be enough?
ReplyDeleteAs for these thought-provoking questions here: First, I would never have "met" you had it not been for technology. I agree with Star, that crazy schedules really get in the way and I often find myself telling others how much I love FB and email and blogging b/c I can do it in the middle of the night, not taking time away from my family. But, yes, in the grand scheme of things, we are probably losing out on valuable friendships. You don't get to see the heart, the eyes, the body language in blogging. It's a different type of friendship. We're an ever-changing world. . .it's hard to know what to give up and what to embrace.
Thank you for posting these thoughts. I think next time I'm laminating about forgetting my camera I will remember to stop and just *enjoy* the moment, knowing God is giving it to me to remember in a different way, in my private mind's eye.
I actually shut down my facebook account some time ago, though honestly I've been thinking of getting back on as it's so dang ubiquitous...and plus I can keep an eye on my teen that way...and keep in contact with my family. I'm undecided though.
ReplyDeleteI do miss handwritten letters. Sometimes. Sometimes it's a burden to write though - it's so much quicker and easier to type out an email and send it immediately, rather than sitting down for hours to hand write a letter then hunt for a stamp etc...
Also before email people would call me more on the phone. And I truly dislike talking on the phone.
Technology has made my life better and worse. It is extremely useful...but I also think it's a great disconnector. You can be "busy" doing meaningless things on your computer, rather than connecting with your children who are at this moment wanting your attention...
...time for me to go.. =)
It's a tough balance, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteVery! :) but it's enjoyable, I think, connecting with people with like interests that without the Internet you would never have met. Technology can be incredibly good and useful if you control it rather than let it control you. It's so difficult to maintain that control though.
ReplyDelete