The Selfie-Stick

We were happy to have our pastor in the pulpit after a three-week absence for a missionary trip to Thailand, but we couldn't help wondering about the odd device he carried, a long stick with something on the end which he held at arm's length as if taking a picture of himself.  He explained it was a "Selfie Stick," something all the rage in Thailand. I have since read that they are very popular in Europe.  They will  probably take off here, too, with the obsession of "selfies" on Facebook.

I can understand the convenience of the novelty for say, vacation photos or shots in historic places.  It's always nice to have a person in a scenic shot, if for nothing else than to give the picture scale and human interest.  And it saves having a stranger take your photo. But some go to extreme, with a new selfie  almost every time you look on Facebook! 

Narcissism is to be expected to a degree in teenagers.  After all, they are fascinated with their looks as they bloom into young adults and are often insecure and uncertain.  They need the compliments and assurances of their peers that they look awesome or gorgeous.  But it seems a little excessive for adults, who hopefully are a little more serious minded.

Fads come and go.  I remember when I worked at a drugstore soda fountain as a teenager.  Hoola Hoops had just come out, and the demand was more than the supply with kids all over town requesting them.  Our enterprising boss figured out a way to cash in on the boom by buying garden hoses, cutting them into lengths and stapling them into hoops!  He had a regular manufacturing operation going on, putting his pharmacy trade in the shade until the phase was over.

That was back when we went to a small church and where everyone felt like family, especially those with teenagers in our youth group.  I went to the memorial service viewing of one of the moms on Sunday.  She had survived for 96 years, and would be turning 97 on Valentine's Day. The reunion with her children who were there brought lots of memories, stories and much catching up.  It was also a reminder of the brevity of life, even for the aged.  

That same day we received news from our daughter in Georgia of the disappearance of a couple from their church.  The tragic ending is now known.  Thankfully these people were faithful Christians, as was our departed friend.  Happenings like these make us consider our own mortality and remember what is important in life: A relationship with Jesus Christ. The acronym JOY says it clearly: Jesus first, Others second, You last.  That is a picture that is not a selfie!