Gratitude. Love. Joy. These are big words with a lot of emotion behind them. That’s why I have always been a believer in putting these so-called “Smartphones” away. They take away attention from me. They distract my people. And, in general, I simply don’t care for technology replacing the real thing.
A tiny smiley face on a screen in no way is as powerful as a real one. And (let’s face it) a cyber hug only goes so far. To me there is an entire generation of little people growing up in an age that doesn’t encourage nearly enough physical communication. I don’t really understand what makes these phones so “smart” anyway.
So today I was reading through some comments from my friends in the blogosphere and it occurred to me. I am so often very deeply touched by the words I see on the screen. To all of you (you know who you are) who comment regularly, please know that your words sincerely make my heart swell with joy. That brings the purpose of this blog full circle, as joy truly is best when shared. I share my take on life’s little joys from the ground up with you, and (in turn) you share joy with me.
It’s a very powerful technological cycle that I couldn’t ever replace with physical contact since we are all so far away. Therein I find the silver lining. This thing called technology certainly has its downsides – like replacing attention for the company we keep with company elsewhere – but it’s not like me to miss the silver lining in something. Technology. From the ground up, it in no way can replace the real thing.
But it is still real to both the sender and the receiver of the messages. Gratitude. Love. Joy. While I still feel these are best served in person, that doesn’t entirely negate their value via text message or email. Blessings are being shared. There may not be an app for that, but that’s okay. Because maybe this technology thing isn’t so bad after all.
Related Post: There’s No App For That – http://wileyschmidt.com/2013/05/04/theres-no-app-for-that/
Wiley's Wisdom 
I love technology, specially the internet (not so much the smart phones) as it does bring people from different countries, continents together. It would have never been so much possible 40 years ago. Well I had a pen pal in New Zealand but it took ages for the post to get there then. This is instant and email too, wow. Sending you instant joy and love Wiles!
Ute, you said this very well. Thank you! Best ~ HuntMode
I love instant joy and love, but I’ve got to admit – even the joy and love that takes a while is swell. (I’ve got a tiny blue sweater made with thread and tlc in mind when I say this).
Lots of love to you, dear friend!
Wiles
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One of the best things about technology, is that it allows all of us, to be close to you, Wiles.
And me to you, dear Lyn. 😉
I don’t know about you but I am getting addicted to login on and catching up with my friends. I enjoy the commenting as much, if not more than the creative process!
You’re definitely right about that, friend!
I must admit I am an addict, I have to be login constantly
The first step is acceptance. 😉 No worries, my dear forever mom is the same way. Thanks for visiting, by the way! Please come see me again soon!
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I worry, too, that our technology leaves us poorer for real contact, and yet…. being a blogger has brought me so much joy ~ I love them both and, I freely admit, I don’t use technology as much as others with their smart phones and apps, etc. You made great points here, Wyles! Love and hugs from my Ella & Elby and me. 🙂
You’re so right! Blogging is a part of technology to be embraced – it brought us together after all. All my best to Ella and Elby (and you, of course).
Love,
Wyles
I agree with everything you said Wiles! I think we would all do well to remember sometimes that behind every post, every reply and every message there is a ‘person’. The technology brings us together, and I think it wouldn’t be so scary if everybody behaved in the way they would if they were stood there ‘physically’ next to somebody!
I’m glad you found the good parts in technology, otherwise we never would have met you!
Hugs, Carrie (Myfie, Ellie and Millie) x
You’re so right, dear Carrie, about remembering the person behind the words…text, blog, or otherwise. I’m so blessed this has brought so many nice folks like yourself into my life. All my best to Myfie, Ellie and Millie!
Wiles
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Maybe this technology thing isn’t the worst thing after all.