Anyone Listening?

I have no idea how many Apple computers, iPhones and iPads there are in the world, but if a visit to

the Apple Store at Southpark is any indicator, the number is staggering.   Last week I made two visits to the “Geek Bar” for some technical support for my new iPhone.   It’s a slick device and technological marvel.   I just can’t figure out how it all works.   In fact, I doubt if there is anyone who knows everything there is to know; simply way too much technology for any one person to master.   This is why it took two trips to finally solve the “glitch” in my software.

We have come a long way since Alexander Graham Bell introduced us to the telephone.  Imagine what he would think of Facetime, voicemail, email and texting.

Of course, the whole idea of a phone is to communicate.  You know, talk and listen. In his book, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them.  Just as love of God begins with listening to his word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them.”

In a day when everyone has a cell phone up to their ear, it might be worth asking ourselves if we are really listening.  Careful listening only happens in those unhurried moments with our friends, spouse, children, teenagers and aging parents.   The Geek Bar can help with lots of things, but only you and I can decide to be good listeners.   Anyone still  listening?

 

Thanks to all of you who have been reading Dr. Kort’s blogs.   This will be his last blog for a while.  Thanks again.