"Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink; but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.” 2 John 1:12
In the U.S., the holidays are the hardest time of year for some people. In addition to the lack of sunlight diminishing our body’s vitamin D levels in the Northeast, causing depressed states for some; we have the added pressure of trying to satisfy the customary spirit of holiday cheer.
The holidays have always been a terrific time of year for me. Having worked in the corporate offices of one retailer or another, I usually employ all the customary holiday trappings—a big Christmas tree, garland, lights, bulbs, and tons of presents. Yet, I rarely lose sight of the true meaning of the season. However, if I do, I simply look around at all the other people attempting to satisfy their need for love by being consumers. Every once in a while, we have to step back from all the buying to remember that this is the time of year society has set aside to reconnect with God and those we love most in this world.
Try this one year. Make all the gifts yourself. The teenagers will hate it; because, they are looking for all those “I’s”—I-pods, I-pads, I-phones, I-Macs, I-Books, I-Touch, and all the I-have-it-too things, they so desperately want to stay connected. Not realizing that the thing they desperately need is a human connection, not an Internet connection.
In our quest to show our love with gifts, we are teaching them to replace an actual human touch with information about humans; from following celebrities on Twitter, to not facing other humans on Facebook. The tools that were supposed to create more free time to spend with loved ones, now occupy so much of our free time, we stay away from each other.
Recently, while in church during Divine Worship, the young woman sitting next to me spent the entire service texting another person -the entire service! My thought was, why not invite the person to church or meet with them after the service. Why? Because, either she was a truly amazing “multi-tasker,” or she didn't hear a single word that was spoken from the pulpit.
We are so far apart these days, it is important to stay connected. Like Michelangelo’s magnificent masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, depicting the Finger of God reaching out to touch Adam, let us remember not to allow the electronic characteristics of an I-Touch, to replace an actual human touch. L.
Study Reference: 2 John 1:12
From: "Staying Connected." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Torontomomnow
In the U.S., the holidays are the hardest time of year for some people. In addition to the lack of sunlight diminishing our body’s vitamin D levels in the Northeast, causing depressed states for some; we have the added pressure of trying to satisfy the customary spirit of holiday cheer.
The holidays have always been a terrific time of year for me. Having worked in the corporate offices of one retailer or another, I usually employ all the customary holiday trappings—a big Christmas tree, garland, lights, bulbs, and tons of presents. Yet, I rarely lose sight of the true meaning of the season. However, if I do, I simply look around at all the other people attempting to satisfy their need for love by being consumers. Every once in a while, we have to step back from all the buying to remember that this is the time of year society has set aside to reconnect with God and those we love most in this world.
Try this one year. Make all the gifts yourself. The teenagers will hate it; because, they are looking for all those “I’s”—I-pods, I-pads, I-phones, I-Macs, I-Books, I-Touch, and all the I-have-it-too things, they so desperately want to stay connected. Not realizing that the thing they desperately need is a human connection, not an Internet connection.
In our quest to show our love with gifts, we are teaching them to replace an actual human touch with information about humans; from following celebrities on Twitter, to not facing other humans on Facebook. The tools that were supposed to create more free time to spend with loved ones, now occupy so much of our free time, we stay away from each other.
Recently, while in church during Divine Worship, the young woman sitting next to me spent the entire service texting another person -the entire service! My thought was, why not invite the person to church or meet with them after the service. Why? Because, either she was a truly amazing “multi-tasker,” or she didn't hear a single word that was spoken from the pulpit.
We are so far apart these days, it is important to stay connected. Like Michelangelo’s magnificent masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, depicting the Finger of God reaching out to touch Adam, let us remember not to allow the electronic characteristics of an I-Touch, to replace an actual human touch. L.
Study Reference: 2 John 1:12
From: "Staying Connected." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Torontomomnow
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