It seems to me that almost everything about our culture is moving away from personal, physical contact.
From self-checkout lanes at the stores to door-dash-drop-off to drive-thru dining.
Texting instead of phone calls.
Online banking and shopping and meetings and jobs.
Pay at the pump gas stations.
One of the joys and wonders and privileges of being human is interacting with other humans.
Sharing stories.
Laughing together.
Making meaningful memories.
Finding an unexpected common ground and building a connection.
Discovering new friends.
All of the best parts of life are deeply personal.
I like seeing Cindy at the grocery store.
And Trevor and Sam at the coffee shop.
And having small conversations with the clerk at the gas station.
And saying “thank you” to the cooks who prepared my food and the servers who brought it out.
It’s not about efficiency or performance or perfection or quantification.
It’s really all about love.
And love is always personal.
Every game of catch is deeply personal.
Playing catch is a way of physically interacting with another human being. The activity itself, best described as an “infinite game,” is a sacred activity that provides an opportunity for sharing stories and laughing and making memories and building connections.
I am convinced that if more people played catch on a consistent basis, this world would be a better place.
And even though there are risks, being personal, I think, is a good thing.
Keep playing.
Keep dreaming.
Merry Christmas and Happy (almost) New Year.
