Maps, Coffee and "the norm"

On Saturday I drove out to Long Beach to meet up with a German friend (Fabian) who was in port for just a day or so. He works with a merchant ship line as a navigator. We had a great visit and were mutually encouraged. God has been working in amazing ways in his life, bringing people for him to fellowship with onboard his ships, as well as a good "home church". But all of that isn't really why I'm putting up this post.

With that backstory, I just found myself surprised this evening at how integrated my life is with technology these days. E-mails back and forth to coordinate with Fabian about if/when we'd meet. Then text messages giving some clarifications as to where to meet. On top of all this, I looked up the pier on maps.google.com and then sent the link to my phone so I could use my gps and built-in maps to get there. But before that, I looked up potential coffee shops in Long Beach where we could hang out after I picked him up. Sent those to my phone as well, (though it wasn't really necessary 'cause I can look up the same info on the phone). And all went as smoothly as can be.

I could drive right up to where I pick him up, drive straight to the coffee shop where I'd never been before, and drive home without concern that I'd get lost. Strange times we live in. And yet, they aren't strange at all, because it feels so natural and "the way we do it." I do feel like something is lost though... the mystery or adventure of discovery.. but it isn't mystery or discovery that a person wants when they just want to sit down and catch up. I'm thankful for the tech, but much more thankful for the fellowship and encouragement shared over the electronically discovered and navigated coffee.

He sent a nice text message blessing as his ship pulled away from the habor, a few hours after I dropped him off for his shift.