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I got my first email account about 20 years ago.

I remember walking through my college campus after receiving the slip of paper that had my brand new username.  I had no clue that this account would open the door to the world for me via the internet.

We had no clue.

Remember dial-up?  The beeps and all that waiting!

Remember chat rooms?

And, of course, remember your first flip phone…the tiny screen?  And… it basically was just a phone?  Now, we pretty much carry around a mini-computer in our pockets and call it a phone.

Technology has seeped into our homes without us even realizing it. Now, we depend on it and panic when we’ve misplaced our phone or the battery is giving out and we’ve lost the charger.

Even with the plethora of technological devices, we still see people around that are hurting, needy, and depressed.  Why hasn’t technology solved that problem?  The sad truth is that with all the availability of the internet, the convenience of purchasing or talking to anyone… at any time… in any place, it has not replaced that we all have a God-shaped hole that only God can fill.

Is it possible that with all these advances, it has caused more hurt and confusion in people because they compare themselves with others who just “seem” to have it all?

Perception is not always reality.

Instead of closing the gap in physical distance, technology has increased emotional distance.  Someone I know closed down her facebook account because it was keeping her from spending time with her kids…sound familiar?

While there are a myriad of positive uses for the internet and technology, it is important to shut it down for the important moments we may be missing…like coloring with your kids or playing at the park with them. They would much rather laugh and converse with you than receive a text message from you.

Physically being with someone who is hurting means more than a quick e-mail or a text.  A hug or a pat on the back or an encouraging word speaks volumes.  Looking at someone in the eye and a warm smile cannot be conveyed via text. Emoticons can only covey so much emotion.

There is a quote I love that I find so meaningful, “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you will look back, and realize they were the big things.”

People need technology these days, but people need people more.  And people need Jesus more than anything.  Jesus ministered and loved on thousands of people through his ministry here on earth…without the internet.

May God use us today and tomorrow to be tools of his grace and mercy through the time and love we share with them.  May they see Christ in us.

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9.10

~Betsy

 

 

 

 

by betsy

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