Maltese Falcon
According to Wikipedia - The Maltese Falcon is one of the world’s largest sailing ships and “yet it is possible for a single person to pilot the yacht. ”
I saw the Maltese Falcon up in San Francisco while I was visiting my youngest daughter - Wendy. We had a great time together and while we often communicate over the phone or by the Internet, there is nothing like seeing someone face to face.
The value of actually being in the physical presence with people you love is taught to us by the Apostle Paul when he writes in 1st Thessalonians 2:17b “we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face.”
The quality of the interactions I had with Wendy at breakfasts, lunches, and dinners we shared cannot compare to what the phone or computer can provide - I am grateful for the time I had with her.
The Maltese Falcon, with the aid of computer, can be sailed solo. Certainly there are times of life to be alone, it is important for everyone, including extroverts, to have quality time to reflect on life.
However, in our rush, rush, world - we all have too easily fallen into the trap of believing that email, chatting, texting, and phone calls are a substitute for quality time together.
During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years I implore you to make the time to see your loved ones face to face. Plus, I invite you to make a personal connection with our community of faith on any Sunday this Season, after all, there is nothing like being here!
Peace,
Pastor John