Living Disconnected
Imagine living with no smart phone, no computer, no email, and no car. I encountered someone living this life today and they were in great distress. I found myself full of empathy for this person trying to make their way in a world that requires these things.
I was picking up a new tag for my car at the Tax Collector’s office which is now appointment only, no walk-ins. You must have an email or smart phone to make your appointment. It’s a very efficient system which helped me be in and out very quickly. But this was not the case for the man I mentioned earlier.
When I first arrived he was pacing at the door, clearly agitated that they were not open. When we all stepped inside his day started to fall apart. A few minutes later he was yelling at an employee “I have no email, I have a flip phone! I don’t know how to use a computer! I’m a dinosaur! I’ve been waiting two hours for you to open and now I can’t get an appointment?!?”
It was a bit frightening for everyone in the room as he was clearly on the edge. An employee gave him her email to use and then a kind stranger helped him navigate the machine to make his appointment for the next week. He complained loudly that his day was ruined as he left the building, looking for the bus stop.
I was sad for this man, living so disconnected without the technology we all take for granted. While we build to greater efficiencies using technology, are we leaving some people behind? During the pandemic we all cheered on teachers who were doing zoom lessons, but we forgot that some students don’t have a computer or internet at home. They were left behind also. We must elect public officials who work to help these populations and not just their rich donors.
All of this made me think about how disconnected we all have felt during the last couple of years. The loss of in-person face time with friends, hugs, and real interactions has taken a toll. Even those of us who enjoyed aspects of the slow down, being more quiet and slowing down the frantic pace of our lives, have felt this loss and had lonely times.
My experience with the frustrated man in the tax office brought this into sharp focus. Let’s have empathy and grace for the struggles of those around us, and let’s be patient with ourselves as we navigate the slow shift back to our new normal.
Note: Some have commented that they expected this blog to be about the need to disconnect from our devices. There is not doubt that many are run ragged by the demand of this technology and we all must take control of its role in our lives. Finding time to disconnect is very valuable for all of us. Just also be thankful that you have the ability to connect when you need to.
Tim Hinton
June 15, 2022
