Friday, April 16, 2010

Somewhere in Southern America, end of week one

We are once more in southern America. We have now been here one week. In many ways, life in the northern hemisphere has been the same as it was in South America. In other ways, it is quite different.

Life is faster here. Now, that's not necessarily a criticism; it's more an observation. Everything seems faster. Meals are consumed more quickly. People drive more quickly. People seem to want to do everything more quickly. Why, I would not be surprised if the speed of light was faster. Okay, maybe that's too much. But I hope you get my point.

If there is a criticism about the high velocity living of North Americans in Southern America, it's the stark reality that this kind of living may be good for business, but bad for relationships. We have even adopted a philosophy of quality time, thinking that if we pack more personal attention into five or ten minutes, we have had some kind of significant relationship. It bleeds over into everything we do: doctor's visits, sermons, time with children--everything. The result? We hardly know one another!

I purpose in my heart to avoid high velocity living. Life is simply too good not to enjoy the ride!

Kevin, in southern America