Must I update or upgrade or retrofit? They all mean the same thing; I looked them up in the dictionary: “one thing is replaced by something better, newer, more valuable, etc.” I’m usually okay with things, especially my electronic things, just as they are–Good Enough. Bigger, faster, better, newer, shinier, cooler–it’s getting harder to keep up.
This morning, I allowed my iPhone 4 to upgrade itself to iOS-7. I don’t think it’s required. So why do it? Because my phone keeps telling me an upgrade is available. Because the retired man I live with keeps asking me if I upgraded yet.
“It’s so cool,” he says.
“What’s so different?” I say.
“The way the icons look,” he says. “Plus, they fixed some bugs and it will work better.”
“Okay, ” I sigh. Maybe it is better.
And so I surrender to “progress” again.
On my deathbed, will I check for new upgrades for my phone or my computer? Lord, I hope not. Will I wonder what upgrades and new stuff my grandchildren will see? Maybe.
They are young. They have energy. They are curious about and excited by anything new or different. They will participate in the evolution of our culture and our globe.
As “Amma,” as grandmother, I help nurture each child’s unique true self. I model (I hope) love, honesty, compassion. I remind them we are all, everyone on this earth, God’s children and, therefore, we all have value. They will need those traits and that knowledge, no matter what new stuff appears.
Amma Ponders 