April 7

We live in a culture that is consumed by social media, rapid information exchange, and screens. We can have hundreds of Facebook “friends” without ever really knowing or caring to know these people on a personal level. If you take a short walk through your workplace, a downtown city area, or your school campus you will probably notice that almost everyone around you is on their phone and almost no one is actually interacting with the real people who are really around them…really. We all know pointless details about the lives of celebrities and those we “stalk” on social media, and are increasingly aware of the drama in the lives of those around us through text messaging and the accessibility of the internet at any given moment in the day. I do not think that these things are all together bad (I certainly take advantage of them), but I do think that the abuse of technology is wreaking havoc on our relationships and our ability to connect and empathize with those around us. It is safe to say that there is a serious problem when you can be in a room full of friends and be completely lonely. Although technology can simulate the illusion of a real intimate and personal friendship, it is no substitute for the real thing! God designed us to be creatures that require love and desire to give love in return. Never underestimate the power and importance of quality time. This means time spent with the sole purpose of really listening to those around you as well as really being listened to. The act of intentionally listening is such an incredible tool for building and strengthening

friendships. It is these small time investments in others that will yield the biggest return in our relationships with friends and family and even in our own happiness and mental well-being. Periodically my roommate and I will sit down at night or in the morning and talk about what has been the peek and pit of our day or week, and what we are looking forward to in the days to come. This simple and sometimes short conversation has proven to be one of the most uplifting and refreshing things, and I am so thankful for it!

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” C.S Lewis

What have been the peeks and pits of your day?