I remember not that long ago being in Minneapolis and passing a business where the employees were outside on their lunch break sitting at a picnic table under a tree (maybe it was a little longer ago than I thought!). Anyway, what struck me was that even though there were six or eight people there with their lunches at the one table, it seemed as if there was great distance between them. They were all eating while they talked on their cell phones, smart phones, I-pads or they were using their computers. No one was talking with anyone else at the table and they may as well have been sitting alone on a park bench.
I was somewhat saddened to think that the wonderful technology that we are able to use for so many things seems to separate us from each other. We are connected with the world but don’t see the person next to us.
Paul in his letter to the Romans, (chapter 12) tells us: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.”
Yesterday I was in Blue Water Café meeting some friends. It must have been break time because there were a whole covey of men sitting at the round table with their coffee cups and some even eating sweet rolls. They were laughing and really enjoying each other’s company talking about the news of the day…their lives, their families, their work, politics (not that I was listening, exactly!). The major thing I noticed was that there was not a cell phone, computer or smart phone to be seen…not even a newspaper. What a difference from my Minneapolis experience.
God indeed calls us into relationship; to love and to be loved. To listen to each other, really listen! To share …to look into each others eyes…to enjoy each other…. What better calling can we have? “Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.”
A thing to ponder.
Each month a member of the Cook County Ministerium will offer Spiritual Reflections. This week our contributor is Pastor EvaLyn Carlson, serving as interim minister of Zoar Lutheran Church in Tofte.
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