A mini-me comes to town

I have returned from the road trip. I even had a little time, a very little time, to rest up before the next great adventure. This adventure is coming to me … my son and his first born (an overactive yet adorable 3 year old) is accompanying my wife back from Dallas/Fort Worth. Well, I did have to drive a bit to meet them at the airport.

We arrived back home late Monday. We had six days together, and what a wonderful six days.

I sat at the airport, near the end of the concourse, waiting for the short little legs to head out of the passageway and into my outstretched arms.

This was the start – eating out, lots of Paw Patrol episodes, toys that surprisingly fit into the luggage he brought (it was like he left lots of empty room in expectation of this, go figure), and trips galore. We saw lions, tigers, pandas, Dino bones … rock climbing, bouncy houses, sea creatures …and even more Paw Patrol … and an occasional ‘If you give a mouse a cookie.’

I am so grateful for technology. I FaceTime and see him. I get regular pics and vids of him. I see him less then three times a year, not because of lack of desire but because of the great number of miles between us. Him, his little brudder, and the little one coming.

But I also dread technology – it is not a solid substitute for the real thing – however much we try to make it that. I stay connected, but I miss the touch, the reaction, the presence – and yes, even the hugs (I make exception for grandkids).

And this “substitute” is way too common for church goers too. Many substitute real church for online experience. We switch Bible Study groups for online presence. And we miss all fellowship, all connection, all accountability, all real relationships.

And, like my little Mini-Me that I only see a few times a year, we see many that only enter church walls a few times a year.

God created us to be in relationships – so don’t ignore it.

And maybe, just maybe we will see each other face to face more in days to come.