Oh the joys of social media. Really, I hear you ask? Facebook? Twitter? Aren't said items the cause of the disintegration of the very fabric of society. After last night I can answer with a resounding no. I am trying to keep up with the times - despite being a zillion steps behind my techno savvy 12 year old son. I do use facebook and twitter frequently but not obsessively. I have no desire to post my status every ten minutes.
I grew up in Yorkshire, have lived in Peterborough and Southend (local radio), London,(Broadcasting House), Los Angeles and Berkeley, California (spiritual questing), Yorkshire (back to my roots), Scotland (madcap adventure ending in conversion to Christianity) and am currently in Yorkshire(back to my roots again). Anyway - as you can imagine - my friends are scattered far and wide and I do like to keep in touch, often via social media. It's easy and it doesn't take up too much time or energy in the midst of busy family life.
Last night however, was special. I was commenting back and forth with an old friend, the gorgeous Juliet, who I haven't seen for ages - like 16 years. The kids called me through to the kitchen because my mobile was ringing - and who was it, but Juliet. I used to be a real one for ringing people, I'd suddenly think about someone and call them. Nowadays, it's more likely I'll send an email, or a facebook message. I have one friend - from boarding school days - and we exchange cards - using snail mail. The wonder of a handwritten letter, sooooo lovely. Anyway last night it was Juliet who decided, in her wisdom, that instead of carrying on messaging via facebook, she would pick up the 'phone and actually call me. We had the most uplifting amazing conversation. Straight down to life the Universe and everything. A quick bolt through the last 16 years, our families, and so much more. To hear her voice, to laugh and reminisce was just so special. We picked up as if we had seen each other yesterday.
We are doing life as best we can - with the various challenges thrown at us. Our conversation made me reflect on how years ago - I was dealing with depression - and then some more complicated mental health stuff which emerged. I had no financial worries back then and that aspect of my life was very comfortable, but I didn't appreciate it because I was so miserable. Now, all these years later, my mental health is good, and I am well, but I have some financial 'issues' - shall we say. I think that's the paradox of life. Got to give it all To God and Trust (note to self).
I shared one of the major events of my life with Juliet, namely becoming a born again Christian. She had pretty much picked this up from my facebook account. It has been a life transforming change for me - and has improved my mental health beyond measure.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and of love and a sound mind
When we were hanging out in London I was a smoking, drinking, party girl. I still like dancing and partying - not so much the drinking and smoking...but our chat prompted some reflection on those days. No question we had some fun. A girls holiday at my dad's villa in Lanzarote was a highlight. Another was a very civilised tea party for our friend Susie's 'hen' do, at the Savoy, which turned into a protracted night out in the American Cocktail Bar at the Savoy. Copious amounts of champagne, very sweet and friendly waiters and our commandeering of the white grand piano in said cocktail bar for a good old sing song. Happy days.
As for social media, the brief comments, the 'likes' on your status - they all give you a sense of keeping in touch with your friends, but last night, I experienced something different. Juliet's voice on the other end of the 'phone, her in London, me in Halifax. It was pure joy. We may have bemoaned the various difficulties in our lives, in amongst the laughter, but we recognised that relationship is what it all comes down to - and I know that our friendship is one to seriously celebrate. So thank you Juliet. Bless you for phoning. You made my week. Love you xxx
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