Monday morning... and the messages began to arrive: each of my "smart devices" had to be updated; new security settings needed to be installed. Agh! There go my plans for the day! I felt out of control as I heeded the warnings and downloaded and installed new software on my iPhone, iMac, Apple Watch, and MacBook.
Maybe the message today was meant to awaken me to my dependence on devices -- which were meant to make life easier!
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| What beacon of hope do you have? (Photo: Statue of Liberty, morning light - Larry Gardepie) |
Throughout the morning, as I struggled to update and test my systems -- which then meant that other applications also needed to be updated and tested! -- memories from my recent vacation surfaced:
- The days at sea where I could relax and be disconnected;
- Entering New York harbor and seeing the Statue of Liberty at daybreak;
- Encountering immigrant stories at Ellis island.
Each of these events and memories allowed me to update my personal messages and socially constructed realities (SCRs) about relaxation, freedom, and arrival.
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| Where are you challenged and evaluated? (Photo: Ellis Island - Larry Gardepie) |
For instance, as our ship passed Liberty Island in the early morning darkness, the Statue that symbolizes freedom and a new life for so many people rose through the morning mists. Hundreds of people on the ship's bow became silent, a sacred moment of hopes and dreams descended on us.
Later in the day some of us toured Ellis Island, the gateway for millions of steerage class immigrants to their American dream. In a few minutes their hopes of becoming Americans would be realized or dashed.
My thoughts about immigration, freedom and justice were challenged on this tour. Up to 5,000 people were processed each day, and in a six-second evaluation people were categorized as fit to become an American -- or not. I wondered how many seconds it takes me to pass judgment on another person?
As I downloaded, installed and tested the new features on my smart devices, I began to consider personal updates that needed to be tested in my life:
My thoughts about immigration, freedom and justice were challenged on this tour. Up to 5,000 people were processed each day, and in a six-second evaluation people were categorized as fit to become an American -- or not. I wondered how many seconds it takes me to pass judgment on another person?
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| When were you not accepted? (Photo credit: Ellis Island, Registry Room - Ellis Island Foundation) |
As I downloaded, installed and tested the new features on my smart devices, I began to consider personal updates that needed to be tested in my life:
- When do I feel safe to share my thoughts?
- What dreams are dashed by another person's opinions?
- How might I slow down my judgments about other people?
Each day introduces us to messages that test our plans and belief systems: what we want to accomplish; how we approach others that day; adjusting what is important.
May we look forward to the updates that help us this week to change our perspectives.
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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