The degree to which we're connected as people living in our small community is more significant than most of us consider. I, personally, wonder if I'm holding up my end of the bargain when it comes to giving back.
People used to share their toils and troubles, and joys and celebrations, on a much more local scale. Technology that we've counted on to bring us together has actually separated us from our neighbors. While being able to contact your family across the country for pennies and videophone your grandchildren is wonderful, there's been an erosion of our local way of life.
How well do you know your neighbors? Could you count on them in a pinch for even a small favor, or would you be asking for the first time?
I believe we have strong volunteer and civic organizations in Green, Lafayette and Stephenson counties. They're in action all the time and will become more visible as the warm months roll in and we see them doing their good deeds at public events.
We get so much from our smartphones, tablets and laptops, but what if technology didn't put a screen in our faces all the time? Would our communities be richer?
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, only one-quarter of all adults in the nation spend time as volunteers. I think that percentage is higher in our rural communities, but it points to a problem.
What about church participation? Last year, according to an article in Church Leaders, the percentage of the American population regularly attending church was at 20 percent. This is about two-thirds less than what it was 50 years ago.
Please understand that "church" refers to any spirituality, not just Christian denominations, and attendance includes being in church for activities other than worshiping, such as attending organizational meetings sponsored by a church or place of faith.
Churches used to be the cornerstones of our communities, now many of them are empty.
I was baptized and raised as a Lutheran in a church that was part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. My sons have been baptized and both are confirmed through an ELCA church. After moving from one community to another in 2016, I have not yet established a local place of worship for my family. This is a personal failing on my part. My wife and I need to find a church.
Who has suffered from not going to church? Me and my family. Also, as a church member, I've always been some type of contributor, volunteering and giving. My absence at church hasn't just hurt me, it's hurt the faith community of which I could be a part.
Whatever your personal spirituality may be, it's something that needs to be tended and kindled.
When I lived in Viroqua, a group of Buddhists met regularly at a community center. They put notes in the local paper that included just the place, dates and times of their meetings. The group grew. There is great interest in spirituality. It's an inherent part of us.
People are regularly looking for something bigger than themselves to rely upon. We have real struggles that are basic and constant - from scratching enough money together to pay for a child's field trip to paying for what has become that all-important, bundled internet data entertainment bill. By the way, the average family pays $132 a month for television and internet service - this doesn't include the smartphone bill or costs associated with upgrading or replacing them. It's great to have that "Star Trek" communicator on your hip to be able to call your kids anytime, but what a huge expense we've added to our lives, right?
There are a lot of question marks in this column for a reason; I don't have all the answers and like others, I'm constantly seeking them out for my own sake. The things I feel the firmest about are my relationship with God, the love I have for my wife and children and the love I share with my family and friends.
The best things in life are free and sharing them with our neighbors is a true gift. An answer to how we can share good feelings and love with our fellow man is simply by sharing time with them, getting to know them, and following the golden rule of doing onto others as we'd all like done onto ourselves.
- Matt Johnson is publisher of the Monroe Times. His column is published Wednesdays.
People used to share their toils and troubles, and joys and celebrations, on a much more local scale. Technology that we've counted on to bring us together has actually separated us from our neighbors. While being able to contact your family across the country for pennies and videophone your grandchildren is wonderful, there's been an erosion of our local way of life.
How well do you know your neighbors? Could you count on them in a pinch for even a small favor, or would you be asking for the first time?
I believe we have strong volunteer and civic organizations in Green, Lafayette and Stephenson counties. They're in action all the time and will become more visible as the warm months roll in and we see them doing their good deeds at public events.
We get so much from our smartphones, tablets and laptops, but what if technology didn't put a screen in our faces all the time? Would our communities be richer?
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, only one-quarter of all adults in the nation spend time as volunteers. I think that percentage is higher in our rural communities, but it points to a problem.
What about church participation? Last year, according to an article in Church Leaders, the percentage of the American population regularly attending church was at 20 percent. This is about two-thirds less than what it was 50 years ago.
Please understand that "church" refers to any spirituality, not just Christian denominations, and attendance includes being in church for activities other than worshiping, such as attending organizational meetings sponsored by a church or place of faith.
Churches used to be the cornerstones of our communities, now many of them are empty.
I was baptized and raised as a Lutheran in a church that was part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. My sons have been baptized and both are confirmed through an ELCA church. After moving from one community to another in 2016, I have not yet established a local place of worship for my family. This is a personal failing on my part. My wife and I need to find a church.
Who has suffered from not going to church? Me and my family. Also, as a church member, I've always been some type of contributor, volunteering and giving. My absence at church hasn't just hurt me, it's hurt the faith community of which I could be a part.
Whatever your personal spirituality may be, it's something that needs to be tended and kindled.
When I lived in Viroqua, a group of Buddhists met regularly at a community center. They put notes in the local paper that included just the place, dates and times of their meetings. The group grew. There is great interest in spirituality. It's an inherent part of us.
People are regularly looking for something bigger than themselves to rely upon. We have real struggles that are basic and constant - from scratching enough money together to pay for a child's field trip to paying for what has become that all-important, bundled internet data entertainment bill. By the way, the average family pays $132 a month for television and internet service - this doesn't include the smartphone bill or costs associated with upgrading or replacing them. It's great to have that "Star Trek" communicator on your hip to be able to call your kids anytime, but what a huge expense we've added to our lives, right?
There are a lot of question marks in this column for a reason; I don't have all the answers and like others, I'm constantly seeking them out for my own sake. The things I feel the firmest about are my relationship with God, the love I have for my wife and children and the love I share with my family and friends.
The best things in life are free and sharing them with our neighbors is a true gift. An answer to how we can share good feelings and love with our fellow man is simply by sharing time with them, getting to know them, and following the golden rule of doing onto others as we'd all like done onto ourselves.
- Matt Johnson is publisher of the Monroe Times. His column is published Wednesdays.
