Webbing?

We had "talking on a phone" while driving, then it was "texting." Now I learn that the new trend is "webbing." It's using a smartphone to access the internet while driving. People are checking Facebook pages, e mail and even shopping online while driving. I know, I know. Some of this activity is taking place in heavy traffic or while stopped at a traffic light. While safety is the major concern, I think so many people are missing a real benefit from being in a vehicle alone.

I just returned from a 3 day program in which I drove over 1000 miles to various programs. It was wonderful! I loaded my MP3 player with speeches and other podcasts. I took a digital recorder to capture my thoughts that were not so quickly interrupted. I planned a number of strategies to improve my business and to improve my relationships with people who are close to me. And yes, I even listened to 2 or 3 of my favorite albums and sound-tracks.

In this "always on" world where many people won't take time to sit, reflect and ponder, our vehicles may have become the only place where we can easily tune out the world and tune into ourselves. The next time you are driving-whether the trip is long or short-consider putting down the phone and stop wasting your time with the same old music or talking heads or ordering something you really don't need. Remember the words of George MacDonald-Work [or texting or webbing] is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.