Missing Connections

Most of my life, until not too long ago, when I had a question about something, I would call someone who would know. I’d call my mom about gardening questions, or else Virginia Hayes. I’d call my grandmother all the way to New Orleans just to ask how to make a certain sauce. Sometimes I would call or write authors of books to inquire about something for which I thought they would have answers. All kinds of experts and masters have become friends over the years, and it has felt good being able to ask them for their advice or instruction while developing a special relationship in the meantime.

Now when I have a question someone immediately says, “Google it.” It took some getting used to, being able to access all kinds of information immediately, without going to the bookshelf or the library and, of course, without having to call someone.

What I see now, though, is that those calls were very important. They were not only informational but they were a kind of sharing, a way of saying “I am interested in the same thing you are and I know you know more about it and I would like your help.” There’s a lot going on there. It’s connection to another person, it’s honoring and resourcing another’s expertise, it’s a way of making them feel needed and appreciated, and, ultimately, it’s a LOVE thing.