When Technology Disconnects Us From Our Surroundings

Text,Text,Text,Bamm! Plunk! Splash!!!

I remember last year the You Tube video that literally made it's way around the world and embarrassed one young lady. She had been walking through a shopping mall feverishly texting someone on her cell phone,and not paying attention to where she was walking. The next thing you know she found herself falling into the huge fountain in the center of the mall. She got up, stepped out of the water, and proceeded through the mall as if nothing happened, thinking no one would notice her being dripping wet.

The security guards manning the surveillance video at the mall had a good laugh and decided to share it with the world via You Tube.

So, when does a technology become a distraction?

When it literally consumes our every movement and disconnects us from our surroundings.
The technology of cell phones and our: texting, twittering, and Face Booking every little detail we go through in a day is our obsession. We may think the sharing of our different little nuggets through the day may be helping someone, and in fact it may, but what about that person walking by you in the store or on the sidewalk who may be lost, hurting, or just plain struggling with everyday life. Today there is a greater need for all Christians to step up to the plate and do something positive as we are called to do.

With a record 48.5 million people on food stamps, and over 40 percent of America's population unemployed or only working part-time jobs, the need for community and relational contact is greatly needed.

We as a generation have let technology replace the all important human element of community,one of:language, relationship, and the act of actually helping someone in need.

For several months now my Pastor has been teaching us to be aware of our surroundings, be aware of those around you who may be struggling or hurting, and step out of your comfort zone and talk to them. In other words: encourage them, speak a blessing over them, or do an act of kindness toward them.

This past weekend I arrived about 3 hours late for my usual Saturday run. My weekend runs are at a nature center filled with trails and park benches around a pond filled with all kinds of nature.

On this particular day things became rather unusual for this location and time of day. After my run, I sat on a bench overlooking a pond filled with: lily pads, croaking toads,fish,turtles, and snakes.

After a few moments of solitude I found myself being surrounded by at least 5 different families with several children of all ages. Each child began pointing out the different animals in the pond. The next thing you know even the adults got in on the action. Suddenly we were all working in unison, pointing out to each other the various creatures amongst the murky waters.

And one of the most amazing things was that no one was busy talking on a cell phone or texting their mother to see where they would meet for lunch. There were men, women, and children actually communicating with each other, and enjoying nature the way God intended for it to be. No distractions. No disconnection from our surroundings.

Imagine that, an hour or so of connecting with others without the use of technology.

Disconnecting ourselves from technology is a good thing once in awhile.

Hmmm, I wonder what the Disciples would have done if they had cell phones?