Convenience can be the enemy of relationship building

Within the United States we often hold convenience up as a virtue unto itself. What is intended to make our lives easier, however, can actually consume some of our best opportunities to build relationships in subtle ways.

Example 1: A young married couple with one car coordinates their schedules to get each other to school, work, and other commitments. While it may be a bit 'inconvenient' to have only one car, working together to find solutions to their transportation challenges brings them together as a couple. They spend more time with each other and are more involved in each other's lives.

Example 2: Parents hire a nanny to take care of their children. While this may give them more time for career, personal development, or other pursuits, it will rob them of the simple moments that build relationships: making breakfast, tying shoes, wiping runny noses, teaching children how to pick a good apple at the grocery store, etc. It is in the daily routine that we grow together. It is also in the daily routine that we catch those unexpected moments of great joy and humor.

Example 3: A family plants a garden to grow vegetables. It will require watering, weeding, and nurturing for months before they will be able to eat the food. They could just run to the grocery store and buy those same foods at less expense and at greater convenience, but their choice to cultivate a garden will provide opportunities for all to learn the law of the harvest and the value of work. They will also be able to enjoy the delicious fruits of their labor and deepen their connection to the rest of creation.

Modern day conveniences have certainly provided some great opportunities and simplified our lives in terrific ways. Being perceptive about the consequences of each convenience decision helps us to be wise in what time saving technologies we allow into out lives.