It's hard to remember the good old days of several years ago when Google and Youtube didn't exist. Back then, if I wanted to know how to do something, I would have to trot down to the library or the bookstore. Now, a few keystrokes and the answer is there. Stuck on how to double crochet? Watch a Youtube video. Want to know the best way to make challah bread? Google, of course. Need a halloween music mix for your party? Download from iTunes and you are set.
Nothing takes much time anymore, when it comes to quick answers to average problems. And because of this, we expect all answers to be just as quick - whether the problems are simple or difficult. It's amazing how quickly my own threshold for patience has devolved; It's hard to imagine how kids born now, with no memories of times before wikipedia, iPhones and constant Internet access, will view the world with patience. Not unless parents find ways to bring patience and the value of time back into perspective, at least a little bit.
So I guess this is my long-winded way of saying that I'm looking for opportunities to build more patience into our lives. I love the technological advances that allow me to blog, to learn crochet from Youtube, to search for recipes on the Web from my phone in the grocery store, all of it. But something is lost when time isn't part of the equation anymore. The more we can recognize and acknowledge time and the role it plays in our lives, I think the better. Celebrating the seasons, marking the holidays, planting seeds to watch them grow - slowly. Creating projects and memories that last longer than a sitcom or a google search or a Youtube video.
So as Daylight Savings time switches this weekend, I'm taking a moment to think about Autumn and what changes it brings to my home. Nights are getting cold here and frost is on the lawn every morning. Squirrels are plundering around my plum tree for pits and spiders are creeping into the house for warmth. With the holidays on the horizon it is so easy to plow into pine boughs and holly, poinsettias and snowflakes, but I'm holding out as long as I can. I want to watch this Autumn as it changes to Winter. I want to see the transition and notice the daylight slipping away.
Friday, November 2, 2007
In the age of Youtube
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6 comments:
Great thoughts, Kimberly Ann! I am definitely impatient, I will admit it, but I think that character flaw reared its ugly head before I was introduced to the internet. :) I hadn't thought about the need to teach my children patience, but you've made me realize that it is so very important and I'll be looking for ways to do so. Thanks for the food for thought!
Great post. Patience is a virtue as they say. I'm a very patient person but my H is not. I really wish he were as his impatience is irritaing at times.
It would be so nice if we all could enjoy the changes of Autumn & not rush the seasons....there are Christmas decorations up already!
Have a great day, DebraK
I love this post. You make me want to slow down and sip a cup of tea whilst watching the leaves falling outside my bedroom window. Delicous patience. Thank you, KA!
This was a beutiful post kimberly.
I think a great deal about patience,and have used the passing of the seasons as markers in my life for a long time.
It seems that,more and more,we're living in a world that glorifies instant gratification,but then what do we have but a transient experience?
"Anything worth having,is worth waiting for" may be a worn platitude,but it is still true...Thanks for the reminder!
love your writing girl! :) very nice thoughts! i always love reading your little stories
Amen, sistah!
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