I like this writer's block question.  Two weeks ago I went to Devil's Lake in Michigan to hang out with some of my cousins.  There was a gorgeous sunset happening behind them, but they didn't really notice.  Andrew was busying using Jeff's iPod touch to check something online; Jeff was texting a friend; and Ellyn was doing the same.  They also brought along a Nintendo64 gaming system.  Ummm, yes, way to enjoy family time and the lake.  All in all though it was a very nice long weekend and we did actually manage to have a lot of "family" time, full of cousin goofiness.

But every day I am reminded more and more of the impact technology is having upon our society.  I'm not saying connection via electronic means is a bad thing.  I am guilty of having a Facebook, twitter, instant messaging, and texting.  However, I rarely text.  One of the times I notice technology interfering with real-time present communications is at university.  I have two groups of friends I move between and they're all collectively acquaintances, suffering from small-university syndrome where everyone knows everyone.  One group is very lively and we're constantly playing musical chairs at meals as generally one person gets up to leave or go hunt down more food and someone else will move over to talk to others along the table or other people will come along and sit down.  The other group, almost just as lively, is fun, but the sharp contrast - they all have their cellphones out.  95% of them are texting someone.  There is far less conversation and what conversation there is is generally interrupted or subdued by someone's cellphone text notification going off.

As for me?  I leave my cellphone in my room during most meals.  If it's on me, I ignore it.  I've been raised to value mealtimes as time to be together and with one another because the rest of the day is spent in chaotic busy-ness with everyone here and there.  Meals are when we slow down, take our time, and simply enjoy.

A more simple, concentrated way of life is leaving much of the world, not just America.  Being replaced by a mentality of instant gratification and immediate availability.  Many times I am unreachable.  Mostly because I am not attached at the hip to any sort of device.  The number of times I've left my cellphone on the other side of town, in a different town, or not known where it is at all are many.  Connection is necessary, but this highly detached, impersonal, and technological form of connection worries me.  We need to take the time to take a step back, reassess, and take the time to slow down, turn of that television, computer, phone, whatever, and just enjoy time alone, outdoors, with family, friends, or whatever.  Free from technology and screens.  Time is precious and life is short.