Wait

“Wait” written by Paul and included on the “Rubber Soul” album, reflects his frustration that his hectic touring schedule interfered with his personal life. In the sixties, long-distance relationships meant hoping for rare expensive phone calls and trusting that silence didn't mean someone had moved on. The song captures that universal ache of maintaining connection when physical presence is not possible.

An advantage of modern technology is the ability to maintain connection when distance separates us from our loved ones. Today, couples can navigate distance through FaceTime dinners, text messaging, and virtual date nights. Families can remain connected through virtual family meetings, social media, and group chats.

In many instances technology has made people more isolated, but this is a great example where technology has improved our ability to remain connected to loved ones. While technology enables constant contact, it can't replace the deliberate choice to prioritize someone during busy seasons. Distance forces us to communicate more intentionally, sharing thoughts and feelings rather than relying on physical presence alone.

The Beatles had no choice but to “wait” for their return home to communicate with loved ones. Thanks to technology, we have many ways of keeping our connections alive in the face of physical distance. Whether maintaining romantic relationships across continents or family connections across busy lives, we can choose to stay more connected than at any point in human history.

Today, I will reach out to someone important who is physically distant, using whatever connection tools available to bridge the gap.

Which long-distance relationship in your life deserves more intentional attention? How could modern technology help you maintain connections that matter most?