I am continually amazed by how thoughts and ideas are communicated on-line. The most recent phenomenon sweeping Facebook seems to be the “25 Things” list. Basically, someone writes a list of “25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you,” and then shares it with their Facebook friends. Two things strike me about this list. First, how widespread it has become. I have had friends from Maryland to Pennsylvania to Berkeley write a list. Friends who do not know each other, I might add! It certainly makes the world feel a lot smaller when so many people from so many walks of life are sharing in the same thing.
Second, I am amazed by the depth at which people are willing to share. On these lists, I have read some very personal, very meaningful goals, desires, and dreams. I have really appreciated the opportunity to get to know my friends in a new way. I wonder, though, if they would share these same things face-to-face, or if the power of the keyboard helps people to open up about themselves in ways they otherwise would not.
I totally support anything that helps us to share of ourselves with each other. I believe that is when we really see the Holy Spirit in action – when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with each other, and when we hold each other in love. I hope, however, that we are able to have this depth of relationship in all aspects of our lives – not just on-line!
