I was listening to a news commentary by a minister here in the greater Chicago area who voiced concerns about how we're so caught up in the whirl of technology, that we've somehow misplaced the essence of human connection.

He went on to praise the benefits of being able to text message our friends, family, business associates...send hassle free emails throughout the world without wondering if it's there yet... noting the convenience of placing orders online and receiving packaging within the span of a few days, or, within a matter of hours...Technology has truly come a long way since the proverbial horse and carriage and even, snail mail.

The beauty of connecting with possible friends through chatrooms and dating sites seem to do away with the initial tediousness of having to dress to impress a potential mate. After all, technology allows one to reach out and touch without actually being there and we can upload a four year old photo within a matter of seconds...Who knew?

There is a definite surplus to the great strides in today's technologies...I can see the upsides to an ever changing world, but, it makes me pause as I reflect upon the questions posed by the minister as he wonders; What's to become of the intimacy in warm handshakes, shared laughter, and pleasant face to face conversations?