It's easy to think that our individual lives are very small, and that we don't touch many people over the course of one life. As time continually goes by however, and with the advent of cyber social networking, I am beginning to realize how many people have crossed my path over the years. It's rather mind-boggling!
I have to say that overall, I really enjoy the connections that technology has afforded me that otherwise would be missing from my life. It's been great to see who married who, the offspring those unions have produced, and also to share in the sorrows of those long unseen by other means. However, there can be a down side to all this "connection," just as there can be with real, flesh and blood relationships.
We need to use discernment about what, and whom, we allow into our minds, hearts, and therefore our lives. After all, just because I was in the same second grade class with so and so doesn't mean she's trustworthy with my family secrets. Sometimes these former connections cause us to let our guards down, and sometimes this is much to our detriment.
When people physically cross our paths, there are clues that we can pick up on, such as body language and mannerisms, which serve to alert us to important details about the person. Details like whether they are honest and sincere, or just plain full of s**t!
Please don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting that we be paranoid about everyone, just that we be careful and discerning. Life is fragile enough, and bad things happen every day. And like it or not, there are people who can and will take advantage of your time, your generosity and your heart if you give them half a chance, even in cyberspace!
In the words of Robert Frost in his poem "Mending Wall," "Good fences make good neighbors." On the internet we need to remember our "mental fences." Having a fence, or boundary if you will, doesn't mean you can't visit, or don't like your neighbor, it just means you have to purposely go around the fence when invited to do so. We're wise to remember to be thoughtful and purposeful about who and what we let into our lives.
