Simple life

This morning I have probably spent the last 60 minutes "playing" on FaceBook & MySpace. These sites are so addictive! Not that blogging isn't, but they are addictive in a different way.

With FaceBook & MySpace, you to peek through the window into the lives of "friends" you lost touch with so long ago. Makes me wonder: Is this a form of stalking? Or, would you be considered a peeping tom? Or, is it just a way for people to reconnect in this age of technology & immediate gratification? I will admit that I have not kept in good contact with "friends" from high school and college. It is very nice to reconnect with them either through FaceBook & My Space. In some ways, it is better than a high school reunion. In other ways, it is just a statement that our society has lost the art of oral & written (snail-mail) dialogue. Why call someone, go out to lunch, or take the time to write a personal note or card when you can leave a comment on FaceBook, MySpace or shoot a quick email?

In the past week, I have mentioned on 2 separate occasions to Andy, that 40+ years ago couples got together to have dinner, play cards, dance, etc. People actually had dinner parties where they discussed world events, art and literature...not Brangelina, the latest celebrity baby bump or the latest cellphone craze. Part of the problem, from my point of view, of today's society is that we all isolate ourselves. Yes, I am also guilty of this. However, I am working to live my life more within a community; to interact with others; to build relationships. I have realized that the written word is powerful - I love to get cards & little notes in the mail. I always have. I have made a "resolution" of sorts to start sending birthday cards, not birthday wishes in an email. I also am making sure that I send little notes to others who maybe going through a rough time in their life.

I have come to realize that humans are not made for limited contact with other humans. I believe we truly grow when we interact with others. That is why I love the small group Andy & I attend. Not only have we do we get to discuss Jesus and what it means to be a Christ follower, but we get are encouraged to develop new relationships - not just with other followers but with those who do not know Christ. Please do not fear that I will be beating you over the head with the Bible or tell you you might go to hell is you do not accept Christ as your savior. I am a Christ follower who hopes that the peace I have found through a relationship with Christ will encourage others to learn more about Him.

I would like to pass on to my child, nieces and nephews a desire to live life through contact with other people; to have discussions with people face-to-face; to have a sense of community; to take the time to reach out to people; to educate themselves. I want the next generation to embrace life on a daily basis.

Andy & I are trying to slow down and live life one day at a time. Over the past 6+ years we have been so caught up in "What's next?" - marriage, moving, buying a house, jobs, etc...that we had forgotten the importance of just living today & enjoying the journey. Enjoying the journey for us means: slowing down, living life connected to others, building relationships, learning about yourself, connecting with your spouse, furthering our spiritual life through daily "quiet time" and weekly small group gatherings, and knowing when to say "no".

I started this post discussing the addictive power of Facebook & MySpace. Yes, I do enjoy them and peeking into other peoples lives. Yes, it is quick & convenient. Yes, it keeps people at an arms length. These outlets have strengthened my desire for more personal communication and to invite others into my life so that they may truly get to know the person I am today.