Getting life into perspective

Let me tell you about two experiences today - quite different but both revealing.

The first relates to the Internet. Now we've had wireless internet in our house for probably around five years. About 8 months ago the internal wireless functionality on my laptop gave up which meant I was restricted to using my computer in one room in the house.

A couple of days ago I decided I couldn't stand this 'restriction on my freedom' any longer and so purchased a wireless card for the laptop and I am now back fully wireless and independent.

The point in telling you all this is that I have been startled by my reaction to my latest acquisiton - I have felt truly liberated all day. I can now sit in the attic (where I do theological things) and still be online - which is great for copying bible passages and extracts from Common Worship of course. Not to mention writing this.

Am I sad or is this scary? Clearly it suggests that for all my stated desire to live simply (zero achievement in this area for the past 20 years) I simply can't do it.

The second experience today was totally unexpected and impossible to predict. As I drove to our local co-op this evening a car pulled up opposite in the road and the young female driver burst into uncontrollable sobbing. Bereavement? Boyfriend bust up? I've no idea, because I didn't stop to ask.

How sad and scary is that?

So here we have two demonstrations in a single day of the current cultural crises in this country. Our obsession with consumerism and information accessibility contrasted with our inability to deal with the stuff that is really important. Individualism has truly won out over community.

Or has it?

Not quite perhaps. After all, I wouldn't be articulating all this without an awareness of and sensitivity to the issues involved.

And that illustrates that hope still exists and penitence still has meaning.

So let' see what stories tomorrow brings.