There is an interesting tale that has come down to us from ancient India:
Four royal brothers decided each to master a special ability. Time went by, and the brothers met to reveal what they had learned.
“I have mastered a science,” said the first, “by which I can take but a bone of some creature and create the flesh that goes with it.”
“I,” said the second, “know how to grow that creature’s skin and hair if there is flesh on its bones.”
The third said, “I am able to create its limbs if I have flesh, the skin, and the hair.”
“And I,” concluded the fourth, “know how to give life to that creature if its form is complete.”
Thereupon the brothers went into the jungle to find a bone so they could demonstrate their specialties. As fate would have it, the bone they found was a lion’s. One added flesh to the bone, the second grew hide and hair, the third completed it with matching limbs, and the fourth gave the lion life. Shaking its mane, the ferocious beast arose and jumped on his creators. He killed them all and vanished contentedly into the jungle.
We too have the capacity to create what can devour us.
This is what is happening with the advent of Information Technology and the devices it depends upon. The creation of computers, smart phones and tablets along with the internet has dramatically changed the way you and I live our lives and interact with others.
This past year due to the pandemic and social distancing, loved ones in the hospital, even as they were dying, were connected to family and friends via their screens. Family gatherings, meetings, religious services and get-togethers are now conducted on line and we join right in.
But we are finding out the tools we use to control our lives end up controlling us.
Rarely do I see a doctor who is not staring at a computer screen and hardly looking at me during my visit. On Thanksgiving Day I moved from the surgical 4th floor to the 6th floor rehab center at Holy Cross Hospital. My truly wonderful nurse spent three hours from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm standing and staring at a screen and re-entering all of my medical data. My supper was never ordered and so it was a couple of graham crackers and apple juice for a late supper. But I was happy to be in rehab no matter what.
By constantly staring at screens, we are losing out on the beautiful moments of life. When the person you are with looks at their smart phone regularly, you feel ignored and unappreciated. For most people today, texting is better than talking face-to-face. And in the process, so much of what makes life worth living for us – is lost!
THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE IS A DIRECT REFLECTION OF THE QUALITY OF THE QUESTIONS YOU ARE ASKING YOURSELF!
During these 40 DAYS OF LENT, please be sure every day to ask yourself some of the deeper questions about life!! And let the person you are with know that they have your full attention!!
THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE IS GIVING GOD THE FIRST MINUTES OF YOUR DAY!
