When I was much younger, my family had the only telephone on our street. Not only did we use the phone, but our neighbors did as well. In those days, our phone was on a party line. So, often when you wanted to make a call, you had to wait until the party line was clear. Also, you had to be careful what you said over the phone because the party line user could listen in on your conversation.
Fast forward to today’s environment, everyone has a cell phone. Our communication with friends and family is much easier. Caring means connecting with family, friends, and those in your sphere. The unique aspect of cell phones is that when you don’t want to be bothered, you can turn the phone off. For example, my daughter, when she doesn’t want to be connected to someone, “ghosts” them. “Ghosting” involves blocking their number so that you don’t receive calls from them.
However, when you care about an individual, you don’t “ghost” them. When you care about someone, you find a way to be constantly connected. When I interact with people, it is an expression of caring. During this season we should make an extra effort to connect with others. Perhaps there is someone that you have not connected with for a while. Let me suggest that you go the extra mile to connect with them.
Unsolicited calls to a friend or family member are much appreciated. They show that you care. Communication can be an expression of love and concern. It can bring about an enjoyable experience. The person on the other end of the phone feels good knowing that you care enough to call. Most of all, you feel good about reaching out to them. Reaching out is a display of connection that can lead to an enjoyable emotional experience at a level that cannot be matched by giving a gift.
Whenever I connect with people, I see evidence of an emotional bond. I know that I’m connected. I’ve learned what it means to connect with people. A simple act like a telephone call can make all the difference to a person. Connecting with a relative, a friend, or a former coworker could mean the world to them during this Christmas season.
There have been many times when I visited someone in the hospital to pray with them. The phenomenal thing about my visits is that I always left feeling uplifted by the person I visited. Even if connecting with others isn’t something you’re good at today, you can learn to do it and become a better person for the experience. Your caring begins with connecting. So, be blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
