Lost Art of Visiting

When was the last time you visited with someone? I’m not talking about texting with someone or exchanging Facebook messages. I’m talking about going to see someone you love or care about and spending some quality time face-to-face communicating and catching up.

I received a call yesterday from a woman who was lamenting the lost art of visiting. We did it every Sunday after church when I was a boy. Cousins, uncles, aunts, friends and neighbors would gather. My grandmother had a large wraparound porch that was a favorite gathering spot. There's no substitute for a heartfelt hug, the sharing of stories, eye to eye contact and the uproar of spontaneous laughter.

I’d like to challenge each one of you to call or contact a friend today and set up a visit. The first thing I am going to do when I get off the air this morning is contact my dear friend Bob Inskeep and schedule breakfast. As a Presbyterian minister Bob spends a lot of time every week visiting with people. He usually sets up our periodic breakfast meetings. Today I am going to take the initiative. I challenge you to do the same with one of your friends or neighbors.