Social NOT-Working

OK. I am a guilty of doing this but it doesn't mean it's right!! LOL. But I have to say you're almost forced into it. Everyday I'm on the bus or train, even just walking down the block.  Everyone is communicating with their friends Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and whoever else that offers a cellular service or data plan.  Granted it is the way of the world, but lets face it, we have lost a GENUINE connection/contact with people because of it.

The times that I've been able to strike up a conversation with a stranger, offer a smile, a seat or help with a stroller or bag, there was a connection made. It not only makes you realize that there are still some nice people in the world who don't mind making your life a tad bit easier even if its just for 30 seconds, but boy it makes you realize that when it does happen,  how much of this old-school way of connecting to one another is lacking on a such a huge level.

People are often surprised when a nice gesture is offered to them.  They sometimes appear a little nervous or taken aback.  Almost putting up a guard between them and the other person with their trusty piece of technology that "holds their entire life" in the palm of their hands.

I met an older guy who had traveled from Georgia, on the bus earlier this week.  He was a bit confused as to whether he was on the right bus to an area he could best catch the sky line of New York.  Our conversation started at the bus terminal but ended almost at the front of my building.  We talked about quite a few things in our short meeting but we both were able to help each other.  And I wasn't even looking for it.  GOD works it out that way, ya know.

I helped him get to the right place and he offered me some good Life advice.  Had he relied on his phone to map out the directions or if I was too involved in a game of words with friends or checking emails, this meeting, this conversation, this connection, the lesson would have been lost.

I realize some mornings, OK a lot of mornings, the first thing I do is pick up my phone and check for any missed calls, emails, etc. instead of thanking GOD that I was able to open my eyes this morning to even look at the darn phone.  This madness has got to stop.  I think its important that we dedicate time aside from our busy schedules to connect to GOD, to connect to his people and to connect to ourselves.

I know that the internet is the Information Super Highway, it offers an abundance of information at lightening speed. It has evolved in more ways than we could have ever possibly imagined,
but isn't it a different feeling to go down the road less traveled. To receive help, information, or a story  from a REAL person. Isn't the lesson a bit more meaningful?  Isn't it nice to have a nice dinner with your boo without him/her missing your subtle glances that scream "I love you" because he/she is answering emails after work hours or just on "your time."

Set some limitations.

If it is important, the voicemail, the missed call, or the email will still be there.  Do you think GOD will allow you to miss an opportunity that He most likely put in in your path. Its highly likely he puts people on your path ... on your bus, train, plane, road, etc. for some reason or another. But we miss any any opportunity to connect to a LIVE person because we are head first into our technical vices.

Think about this: If you took a second to help a young lady trying to get a stroller up the stairs in the subway; to say hello to a person who looks a little down or even ask them if they are OK; to offer an elderly person your seat;  to slow down for just a minute to give someone directions instead of blowing them off cause you're just too busy on your phone ... you have made a difference in someones life.  Isn't that really what life is all about ... making a difference.

I remember when I was traveling back and forth from Maryland to New York City, I had to walk up and down stairs with my heavy suitcase, lugging it to auditions, on the train and through the streets.  It did something good to my spirit when a young man would offer to help me.  Man, that made such a difference in my day because on more days than some, no one offered.  I was tired, hot, cold, near the brink of breaking down and that simple gesture, made me feel good ...  for at least a minute.


SOCIAL means: seeking or enjoying the companionship of others; friendly; sociable; gregarious or living;  disposed to live in companionship with others or in a community, rather than in isolation.


Until Next Time ... Remember PEOPLE are social beings ... not Cell Phones and Computers. Don't lose the connection with each other.