Reflection

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Yesterday I had a moment of reflection.  If you ask most people in the U.S. about cell phones they will likely categorize them as absolutely essential.  There are even programs for free cell phones for those who can't afford them.  I get it.  They are quite handy to look up directions or to stay connected or in case of an emergency.  Does anyone pull out a map any more?  Same with the internet.  We take for granted that we can ask Google or Alexa any question--"How do I peel an avocado?  How do I put a bike together?  Where is Mammoth Cave?  What currency is used in Indonesia?  How do you survive a shark attack?"  I love that my kids can video chat with family across the country.

Do you remember the time before cell phones and the internet?  I do.  How did we get by without them?  How did we entertain ourselves without instant access to music, games, and news?  We talked to each other, actually looked around when we went outside.  Said 'hello!' to a neighbor and stopped to ask how they were doing.  Who chats now in real life?  Growing up I played Kings Quest and Oregon Trail on a computer with green letters and pixelated pictures on a black screen.  Keeping up with friends, my mom would have to stay in the kitchen because there was a cord!  And if you wanted to watch TV you watched what was on, unless you wanted to get out a VHS tape to watch.  And every day we'd go outside to play --> bouncy balls, frisbies, bubble wands, swing sets and imagination.  A trip to the library yielded a treasure of new worlds to explore:  Little House on the Prairie, Dr Seuss, Babysitter's Club.

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Our children take for granted the easy access to thousands of games and shows.  Will they be able to appreciate the change of the seasons?  Do they even know how to address a letter?  Can they hold a conversation without resorting to emojis?  Can they bare to put down the phone when they go to the restroom (really people!)  I pray that we will teach our children to connect with the real world, not just the virtual one.  To love nature walks and sports, to get away from the devices and look up!  We must teach them to trust not in Google and Youtube but in the Savior of the World.

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Hebrews 13 -- NIV

⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

¹⁵ Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. ¹⁶ And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.