reflections of our times

the "doing" has overtaken the "being". our homes have become empty and dull. there is a lack of "genuineness" in our conversations. there is an ever growing inadequacy to communicate between generations. we have become too busy to stop and listen, to reflect and celebrate our being together. our homes, families and societies have become empty and void. frenetic schedules are not confined to our parents, but has also been passed on to our children with unhealthy expectations placed upon all to over perform or out perform the proverbial "Jones clan" from next door. our lives are increasingly programmed to include a significant proportion of our time outside the family circle and we are increasingly missing out on the joy of just being together and marveling at the beauty  of togetherness. the kitchen table is empty and the fire side seats are cold. the sharing of experiences and ideas has grown dim as older generations and younger ones alike abstain from cross-generational interactions. what are we teaching our children? what example are we setting?
(thoughts of Mamphela Ramphele)