During the past two decades, modern technology has evolved into more than most ever imagined it could.   Technology has become so important in our daily lives that most people would find it difficult to go through the day without using some form or another. Majority of people are always looking for the newest piece of technology that will help make their lives easier. Computers and cell phones have made such an impact in our daily lives that most would find themselves lost without them.

Research shows that two-thirds of our youths would be “lost” without computers because they spend more time online than watching television. This generation is at ease with technology and uses it to embrace the world, friends, family and a whole range of interests from politics to music.

Modern technology and media have made the world a smaller place. However, loneliness is still one of the biggest plagues in our modern society. As it is, we spend more time communicating with the world outside, and have little or no time communicating with the people around us. Although over the years in my experience, I’ve learned some important lessons. One of the most important, is I know who replies and who doesn’t and what excuses they will make.

Communication is not just about talk, noise, or gadgets. In fact, some of the deepest and profoundest communications happen in silence and in stillness. Ours is a fast and restless world. Let us give space for our spirit to breathe in silence, reflection and prayer through which we communicate with the Divine and with our ‘real selves’.

There is an increasing number of people getting sick with “Nomophobia” (no mobile phobia). The symptom of this phobia is extreme attachment to one’s mobile phone, the absence of which could drive one to panic, become anxious, or become disoriented. In short, the absence of mobile phones could make some people feel immobilized.

Funny story is told about a wife who, as a sign of her undying unity and connection, put in her husband’s coffin his cell phone. Imagine her shock when, two days after the burial, she received this text message and posted on his face book:“I am already here. You follow, OK?”

The fear of being disconnected from God, our friends and love ones should be worse than the fear of being disconnected from our cell phones and computers. Jesus tells us to remain united with Him. The branch must remain united to the vine so that it will bear fruit. Let us look at our lives and see if we are really living a life that is deeply rooted and firmly attached to the Lord. Otherwise, our lives would be empty, meaningless, vain, fruitless and unworthy. A lot of our problems and life’s complications would have been avoided if we just held on to God, in spite of, and no matter what.

I pity the innocent children who are fruits of broken relationships. Just because someone did not love enough, or chose the easy way out, others will suffer the consequences. There is wisdom in staying on, and choosing the road of patience and sacrifice. “If you quit, you might regret it.” Remember how far easier it is to sever than to persevere, to give up than to wrap it up, to say “the end” than to say “let me try again.”

I am sure all of us have some “holding on” moments and stories to tell, and I do not mean holding on to power, pleasures, or bad relationships. More than these, I know that many of us hold on to goodness, values, self-respect, and ideals. Please don’t let go of these. In time, these will bear fruit, if not in your lifetime, maybe in those that come after you. Just keep on planting good seeds. Someday these will bear fruit, and give you a reason to smile!

By the way, please be reminded that pruning goes with fruit bearing. If you are experiencing any sort of pruning right now, be consoled and be assured that the Lord is preparing you for something good up ahead. If you don’t experience any pruning of any sort, perhaps you are living a life of constant lying or denying.

Let us rise above and look beyond whatever obstacles or liabilities that come our way. We do well to remember that what matters more are not so much the monuments, documents, or achievements that we leave behind as the moments and heart prints we leave in people’s lives.

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust