Ahhhh, technology

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I read something a long while ago that said something to the effect that while technology has advanced society greatly it has had an interesting impact on personal relationships.  At the time, I knew that our communication with one another had changed and that there was less intimate communication but I hadn't fully grasped it meaning... until yesterday.  

 Yesterday, Jamie and I decided it was time for us to see the Parthenon (in Centennial Park) up close.  It took us a while to find a park but we did.  We got out and started to walk.  During our walk, I mentioned that people could hardly walk for playing (fiddling) with their phones.  On our way back, Jamie said, "Let's count how many people we see on their phones".  Total number 31 of 35 of the people we saw on the way back to the car were on their phones rather than enjoying the people they were with and the somewhat peaceful location.  The four that weren't on phone, you ask?  Two less than 4 years old, then a grandmother and her granddaughter (our deduction not a fact).

 Why is this relevant to me today?  Because... I wonder what we miss when we focus all of our attention to the technology that give us so much access.  I feel like we become so consumed with things far out of our control and so distant from our everyday live that we miss the things going on people right in front of us.  I don't presume to know what is happening in everyone's lives at all times.  However, consider this, when is the last time you at down and had a live/face-to-face conversation with someone you loved?

 I am all for technology and access information, don't ever doubt that.  I too enjoy my devices and fingertip access to many topics and things.  But I also enjoy the intimate times that I have with those I love.  This time is spent talking, laughing, enjoying companionship, building bonds; it is time to relax and let go of the everyday stresses.  My wish is that everyone gets time to experience it and cherish it.

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