In today’s virtual world, we meet friends in a variety of places. Facebook, twitter, and Skype conversations are just the beginning. To make things work, we carry mobile devices that give us the ability to connect anywhere, anytime. This all works, in theory at least.
I thought I was unusual in carrying 3 mobiles at all times. In turns out that I am a normal American working for a non-American company that is frequently anywhere but the US. There is a twisted rationale supporting the multiple mobiles. First, we carry a US mobile, to make it easy for family and friends to reach us. Second, we have a work mobile, locked down of course so that we minimize the chance of a security breach. Finally, with our need to save money where possible, we have a local mobile so we can keep up with email and the news. The latter one constantly rescues me when I am lost, functioning as a personal GPS.
With all this technology, one might think that it is easy to link up. In reality, it usually does not! There are three conversations, one almost a month overdue. As much as I try, I cannot seem to make a connection with them. The most recent one with a friend in California is a lesson in global time zones, odd schedules, and simply carving out the time.
In the real world, visiting someone requires an intentional act. I read how Paul stopped, “greeted our Christian friends there and stayed with them a day.” (Acts 21.8) I assumed that it was the opposite in the virtual world. Connections just happened. You are here, I am here, and we connect. Sometimes it seems to happen that way. I am learning that it is never automatic.
When this happens at work, I ask the blunt question. “How do I get on your ‘A’ list?” As harsh as it might sound, I want to hear their response. I want to connect. What do I need to do?
It is a question begging for an answer.
