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So many things are communicated by word of mouth. The stories in the bible, our country’s history, our families memories and funny stories. Sometimes you need to be brought back to reality and the other day on the telephone with my Grandpap did just that.
I give him a call every now and then to catch up. Here’s a little background on my Grandpap; Born and raised in Northwestern PA, his childhood years were spent in the ways of the 1930’s. He attended school and was drafted into the Army at 18 years old, served and retired. Married the love of his life (my Grandma passed away in May 2007) and raised his family in Grand Valley, PA. I will say that I see my Grandpap as a simple man. He loves God, attends church and men’s bible study-but tends to not get too involved.
So, I give him a call the other day and he gives me the latest updates… weather, neighbors and the latest project he’s working on. (he fixes up gas engines and antique tractors) He told me that he’s grateful for this past summers projects, that they have kept his mind off of things (he means thinking about my Grandma; he misses her dearly) When he his finished working on these projects and he does not have any further use for them, he sells them. But in the world of today where we use Craig’s List, eBay and Amazon to move our products and make a quick buck-my grandfather uses the good ole Word of Mouth. While he was telling me his story, my mind started to wander-how does the world survive without all these “things” and new and improved ways of communication? Does any of it matter? Or are we just creating obstacles in this life that is as simple as a good ole fashion face to face relationship? Word of mouth… does anyone still use this as their main form of communication? Even in my marriage sometimes our main form of communication is email. Aaron and I both work, so when a random thought comes to mind, we just simply send an email so either of us can put in on our calendar. Don’ get me wrong here, Aaron and I do a good job with communication (most of the time)-BUT… where’s the simplicity? Has it gotten lost? Will we ever get it back?

So I’ll conclude this huge paragraph of thought with this…

My Grandpap doesn’t know about Craig’s List, eBay and all of the other ways we sell things and communicate in today’s fast pace world; nor does he care or want to know. He knows that there is a way to get things done, and for him that way is by word of mouth. For him, it builds relationships.

When is the last time you cultivated a good relationship with just talking?