We’ve got all the pieces, why won’t they fit?

We have a plethora of technological devices that enable connectivity, why don’t we connect… Like relate?

I think abbreviations were supposed to work to our advantage, to offer simple ways of discussing concepts we already understood. When we learned the periodic table of elements, for example… But what good would it have done to know all of the abbreviations without having first learned the full names?

We are working backwards, and it isn’t helping. We are living in an abbreviated society. . .

One where kids don’t always learn to spell words because there are acronyms for everything; we text instead of calling… And may even text in the same room; we watch movies instead of reading books; we watch clips instead of reading full articles, we watch church online instead of fellowshipping in the Lord’s house, we have sex before we love…

Let me not be high or mighty. Let me admit that I have been a culprit. I could claim victim, but who but I can be responsible for me?

“I hate talking on the phone” – I told myself that for years! Now, I’d rather find a way to make it happen, at least about a quarter of the time I’m talking to those I love, those I even like.

Have you ever tried getting to know someone you never TALK to? We can say ANYTHING via text. We have time to formulate the picture of ourselves we want others to see, but we never have to work to BE that picture. And what good does that do you, or me?

I’ve been a stranger in a room full of people I spend almost every day with. I am a stranger in a room full of people I spend every day with.

I’m not suggesting we tell our deepest, darkest secrets in our first conversations –

…however, why would we adopt the “no new friends” philosophy Drake drilled into our heads [those of us who listen to secular music now and again]. I love my friends, the long lasting ones, the most loyal ones (Hi Taylor 2x!). Still, there’s a wealth of opportunity beyond our inner selves, and as much as we can create by believing in ourselves, it doesn’t hurt to be genuine, to make more friends, to be present in the world…

– I am asking that you listen for my response when you ask how I’m doing.

Friendship goes far beyond here, but let’s not abbreviate ourselves, for then we can only prohibit growth, relationship, and connection with the very people we desire and claim to love.

More to come on the abbreviated society, and on friendship. Stay tuned!

Love,
Sammie ❤