Today is the 20th anniversary of the text message. Some may say, “So what?” I know that not everyone texts. There are others, however, who are texting constantly. To communicate with my youngest son, I had to learn to text! And I have found that texting is quite convenient for many things. It’s great for communicating if you are in the library or other setting where talking is not appropriate. It is handy for conveying short messages in a timely manner. You can let someone know something without disturbing them. You can leave your message at your convenience, not having to wait for the availability of the recipient.
Texting can also cause problems. The short hand used can be misunderstood. People usually avoid using punctuation in texts. That can cause problems, too. It is hard to handle complex arrangements with varying options by text. There can be confusion with the curtailed format. And sometimes people use texting to communicate things that should be said in person. I listened to a report on the radio about the appropriate use of texting. We were told that texing is not the way to break up with your lover of 4 years. “Leaving you. Sorry.” just doesn’t cut it.
As we think about the Advent theme “Glad tidings of great joy to ALL people” we may think that those glad tidings have to be momentously world changing. Something stupendous and glorious. “The war is over.” “The Berlin wall is being dismantled.” “Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa.” But sometimes glad tidings may be more mundane. Even as short and uncomplicated as a text: “The test was negative.” “I got the job.” “The moon is beautiful tonight.”
Texting reminds us that the glad tidings can be short and sweet. They can be small things that enrich our days and our lives. Blessings abound. Don’t overlook the little things!
Prayer: Glad tidings are as near and familiar as my next breath. May I continuously look for the small ways that my life is being blessed each and every day. And may I not neglect the chance to bless someone else, even if it is only in a small way. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 