Staying connected

We stay connected these days: cell phones, smartphones, laptops, you name it. I'm writing these comments from an airport terminal, accessing free wifi which allows me to stay connected to my office, home and friends. This unprecedented capability for communication should makes it easier to keep in touch. Some folks have no memory of a time without this instant access. But despite these conveniences, we still often find that communication is challenging. Getting on the same page is not quite the same thing as staying connected. Emails are notorious for being misunderstood. Cell phone calls drop without warning. Communication, despite the amazing technology, is still pretty difficult. It still requires paying attention, being sensitive to the concerns of others, thinking before reacting, and so on.

Another thing: Placing so much emphasis on staying connected with friends, family members, business associates is great. But what about staying connected with God? I'm wondering if it's not possible for us to get so tangled up in the "web" that we forget that form of communication which needs no satellite! Talking and listening to the Source of all life, all goodness, justice and mercy -- now that's worth staying connecting to!