It is 6:28AM. My thoughts are usually on the birds or wind or other such things this time of morning. Not today. I am thinking, instead, on how social media has infiltrated American culture. Why do the likes and emojis give us a buzz? I am not pondering from a critical stance. I am sincerely asking. Why? Like it or not it must meet needs. Here are a few of my thoughts. I would love to hear yours.

Inside every human is a God designed capacity to be known and to know others. We are created to be seen, really seen, in safe relationships that are not based on perfection but are based in acceptance of where we are in the process while calling us to be the best version of who God created us to be. (Long sentence. I will keep it there to resist the urge to appear "perfect.")

I could talk about the rush of getting photos of significant moments onto Facebook so someone "out there" can see. I could talk about the importance to voice our thoughts. (I am doing that now.) I could go on and on. I won't except to say where I landed so far.

What if?????? Can you even imagine?????? How incredible it could be if people started doing in real life what we try to do on social media? What if we actually listen to people in the workplace, church pew, or grocery store? What if we say, out loud, Hey! That outfit looks great on you. I like how it highlights your eyes. Or, You sound sad....

On the flip side, maybe our tendency to scroll quickly while writing people off is what we ARE doing in real life. Maybe we are too quick to walk past someone without seeing them. Maybe we meanly rant without caring how it impacts others. Maybe we want someone to just notice how we look or what we have accomplished - or failed at- or just.... whatever it is.

Maybe... Imagine this..... Maybe we could be more intentional to meet basic needs in face to face conversations and over dinner. How incredible that would be for our world!

I need to get ready for my day. If you lived a moment in my heart, you would realize that this introvert thinks all the time. Pondering is my favorite! Anyway, thanks for listening. Please share your insights. And be sure to like 👍 or not like 👎

Most importantly, please be sure to have a wonderful day filled with being known in safe places and giving the gift of knowing others.