CONVERSATION

The Lost Art of Personal Communication

Years ago I used to love to tell this joke about an Italian man who went to a realtor to buy a house. He told him all the features he wanted and the Realtor listened intently to his requests. He had one that was strange. In a strong Italian accent he said, "I want halo statue in every room." Or at least that is what the realtor heard. So when he showed him the first house he made sure there was a statue of the Virgin Mary in every room. The man loved the house, but when they got done with the tour he asked, "why is there a statue of the Holy Mother in every room." The realtor was puzzled, "you said you wanted a halo statue in every room." The Italian man laughed and with a gesture as he was answering the phone said, "Halo, statue?"

With the evolution of caller ID and smart phones we don't have to wonder who is on the other line. We know - friend or foe. We even get the option to ignore, or some phones let you send a text telling the other caller you will call them back. Super high-tech and not very personal. As kids we ran to the phone when it rang. The mystery of not knowing who it was, or maybe it was that long awaited phone call from the boy in school you were hoping would call to ask you out! For some of us that call never came, but we still ran just in case.

I was at a restaurant with a friend a few years ago. The place was full but quiet. In amazement we looked around. No one was talking. Everyone had their heads looking into their phone. They were all texting or playing games. I was amazed and determined that I would not be one of those phone zombies who never takes their eyes off of their phone and never gives 100% attention to those around them. Life is too short! I think the phone basket for family gatherings is a brilliant idea. No one needs to be that close to a phone all day every day. We survived having one in the kitchen and no answering machine or voicemail!

The cell phone is an amazing invention, but it has destroyed conversation. Some would argue that it has improved it, but I don't think so. When babies were born pre-cell phone, family members were notified with a phone call. Now we hear about the new baby 6 months later when the family shows up to an event with a 6 month old baby. If you aren't connected through social media, no one notifies you of anything. Call me old fashioned but I dislike hearing of family joy and heartache through a social media post. What if I never go on Facebook? What if I didn't log on the day the news was given? I only say this because it has happened to me, and it left me with a feeling that I had been purposefully left out from family news. It isn't the case, but this is what we have become. I don't like it.

Imagine Jesus being left out of the big news of your life. I know it is different because He can see all that is happening, but when we don't speak to Him and share with Him all of our life's moments good, bad or otherwise don't you think He feels a bit ostracized from your life? I'm pretty sure He does.

Imagine Jesus answering the phone call after years of separation from you. I can see Him grinning from ear to ear and not wanting to put the phone down. I remember conversations like that when Grandparents would call and everyone would want to say hello. It really is no different with God. Remember this is a relationship NOT religion.

Those of us who talk to Jesus every day know what it is like to spend time just talking to our savior. We know that conversation with Him isn't saying spiritual words, but just opening your heart. Tell Him the news. Thank Him for the day and everything He has done. Just talking to Jesus like He is your best friend and he will become that in time. He longs to talk to us, hear from us, and He does answer!

Imagine Jesus running to grab the phone and talk to you, saying in His heavenly accent, "Halo, statue?"

Don't forget to enjoy today's worship song by clicking on the musical note at the top of the page.

Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Psalm 61

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations.

May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day."