Thursday, December 2, 2010

Take just ONE more step.

I can't see who you are but I can tell you've been here.
My stats button tells me so. 
It even tells me which post you have read and how many views it has had.

A surprising (or maybe not so much) observation?
My posts that have a link to a YouTube video or my Facebook links that show videos or podcasts are all left virtually untouched.  Those posts, statuses or links are the ones that usually lack comments or views.  And sadly enough, I found those to be the most inspiring.  More people want to read about my pizza dough recipe than watch a group of children sing with emotion?  More people want to read about what my family is eating for dinner than a woman doing slam poetry about how being pretty does not define who we are?

And then it hit me.

I am usually really good at checking in on what's going on, reading blogs or checking my newsfeed.  But I, myself, am really bad at taking just one more step.  I have to finish reading my Facebook Newsfeed before I click on someone's photo album, link or note.  I like to read my blogroll and find out who posted about what before I decide to read.  I know I'm not the only one doing this because I see which posts you like the most.

I love instant-gratification (as does the rest of world and my fellow "Gimme" Generation).  But when do we put our needs and our patience and our interests so in front of those for whom we care?  We live in a world of instantaneous text messages, emails, quick Facebook updates.  When have you called a friend from out of state?  When have you actually reached out to someone besides just posting on a "wall"?

Try to take that extra step today for some relationship.  Whether it be playing a game with your kids, touching your spouse's hand, clicking someone's link or inspiring video or writing your child's teacher and thanking them for making a difference, do something special, something small to MAINTAIN your relationships, not just build them. 

Go just one step further.  Look a little closer.  You may miss something extraordinary.

2 comments:

Heather said...

Love the picture!!! And, I called a friend out of state just today!!! :)xo

Brian said...

nice message, thanks for following me. i am interested in pizza dough though :-D