Set A Spell

Luke 2:46 (NIV)⁴⁶After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

The phrase "set a spell" has been running through my mind lately.  Probably because of family visits lately to the hospital and rehab, etc.  I also thought it was at the end of the Beverly Hillbillies TV show too.  It was (I had to check the lyrics...and now THAT'S running through my head....it's a busy place up there!).

I think with technology and social sites spreading as fast as they are, we as a society and families are losing the fine art of setting a spell...taking time to slow down and listen to people....face to face....not Facebook or MySpace.  

When my mom was in the hospital in Utah years ago, a local church sent a lady through one of their ministries to come visit with us.  I was kind of worried about what we would find to talk about to a complete stranger.  We ended up having a very nice conversation.  

When we would visit our grandma at the nursing home, she and the others at the home were full of stories.  They appreciated having someone listen....and most of the time, we got a living history story.  

Sometimes we don't even need to fill the space with conversation, just having someone near us is enough. 

Talking, writing, a status update or a tweet can all equate to setting a spell.  However, I urge you to take the time this week to sit down (without the TV and computer or other distractions) and truly have a conversation with the people in your house, someone you work with who needs a friend, or even just taking a quiet time to listen to the small voice you only hear when you get quiet.

And just in case you would like the theme song running through your head also:  Sung at the end of the show:

Well now its time to say good-bye to Jed and all his kin.
And they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin in.
You're all invited back again to this locality
To have a heapin helpin of their hospitality

Hillbilly that is. Set a spell. Take your shoes off. Y'all come back now, y'hear?