Prayer

Distraction and temptation are our biggest faults in prayer, according to the Catechism. This is parsed out in a really insightful and helpful way. I found my own (lack of) prayer life in these passages. Take a look- very worthwhile.

Community and Technology

Although I have no desire for an iPad I have been following its release because it is a fascinating look into our culture and into our future.Note what is said in a review of the iPad from NYTimes:

"As the Internet becomes more ubiquitous, our devices are becoming more mobile and connected. The iPad exemplifies the further shift toward simplicity. "

The idea of shifting my life to "the cloud" makes me feel like the future is less connected not more connected. Connecting the hype of the iPad and other shifts towards internet-based-life with the recent report on NPR about cyber security calls to mind a conversation I had with friends in Georgia in December. They are of the nongovernment, conservative, life-off-the-land breed and I deeply respect them for it. I don't know if their apocalyptic ideas will come to fruition but I know that if the power grid and our computer networks did go down I would be making my way towards them.

As our lives become more connected through technology there needs to be a corresponding intentionality with which we connect organically. To me that means taking up again the lost art of letter writing, making live music with friends, sharing meals, gardening, and supporting one another whether we like it or not.