Being connected has so many meanings for each of us. At St. John the Divine we endeavor to keep our parishioners and visitors connected to Christ and the body of the Church through worship, education, groups, gatherings, and events. Hopefully, you have been able to join us online for worship, bible study, and classes during this time at
sjd.org/live
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We often think of ways to stay connected to our families and friends. What does that look like? A telephone call, a letter or note, a visit?
As humans we thrive on being connected. We are made in our creator’s image and he hardwired us to be like him and that looks a bit different for each of us. Some of you during this time of isolation and quarantine are using technology to keep in touch with loved ones. Smart phones, tablets, and computers allow us to do this 24/7 in a variety of ways – emails, texts, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, etc.
Our technology tools are also a portal into information that we could not have dreamed of 50, 30, or even 10 years ago. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I fondly remember that avocado green wall telephone that I used every night to call friends. Yes, you probably had one that was very similar. Our sources of written information were dictionaries, encyclopedia, books, newspapers, and libraries.
Now the only limitation to being connected is lack of technology or the knowledge that drives it. From taking a virtual tour of any museum in the world, to watching live video of South American condors, trading stocks in your portfolio, or learning a new language – just about everything you can dream up or are curious about is available through technology.
Working with seniors over the past 25 years has allowed me to study the vast capacity of people of any age to learn and grow. There are people at both ends of the technology continuum and always will be. Some who will jump at and incorporate the latest model, software or gadget while others settle into a comfortable routine of what they know and trust that still works to keep them connected. There is no judgment as to who is right or better.
