what Amazon can't deliver

I could order my running shoes on Amazon, but then I wouldn’t meet the sales rep named Grace who used to smoke two pack of cigarettes a day but is now training for her first marathon.

I could add ground beef to my Sam’s pick up order, but then the butcher behind the meat counter wouldn’t ask me what I’m cooking this weekend.

I could borrow an ebook on my phone, but then the librarian wouldn’t check in to see how school is going for my girls this year.

I could watch a church service via livestream, but I wouldn’t notice the way the pastor’s eyes brim when he talks about his Jesus.

I could log miles on a treadmill, but I would miss the dozens of drivers that always wave to me and the beauty of grey white sycamores standing guard along a mountain stream.

My friend could text me that she’s praying for me, but when she invites me over for apple pie and we chat about marriage, both my body and soul are filled.

I could breeze through the self check out lane, but the computer doesn’t know how to chat about the weather.

I have the world at my fingertips but I find myself longing for something slower, realer, more human. My heart keeps turning towards something Amazon can’t deliver…. a rich, layered, complicated, beautiful community.