A Rainy Day Turned Productive Eastern Long Island 🏝

 

It was a rainy morning on the island, and I woke to the surprising news that work had been canceled. What a blessing in disguise! Instead of battling the dreary weather indoors, I stayed home and used the day to complete all my annual workforce learning modules—an assignment coming due on December 1st. If you’re anything like me, you know the relief of avoiding nagging emails and text messages as reminders about unfinished tasks.  

With that chore crossed off my list, I decided to venture out in the afternoon to a place I have never been before. My trusty road master carried me east to a charming town called Bellport in Brookhaven. Small and quaint, it was the perfect destination for a rainy day. My goal was to visit their local popular destination and it turned out to be a library, a place I always hold close to my heart. 

My connection with libraries has always been special, and this visit was no exception. While there, I also struck up a lovely conversation with one of the librarians, who turned out to be a retired first-grade teacher. She was kind and personable, and I couldn’t help but marvel at her patience and time talking to me, something she must have developed and perfected during her teaching years. Don't forget I'm also all about talking to strangers. There is something very special about that-try it.

 But as the librarian returned to her desk, she said something that stayed with me. “I have no idea where you came from,” she remarked, “but the funny thing is, I just felt very comfortable talking to you, as if we’ve known each other for a long time.”

I expressed the same sentiment and added, “That’s what I like, and it’s something I encourage my readers to practice—the art of talking to people.” It pains me deeply to see people not engaging with one another, instead buried in their smartphones. These devices are eroding our civilization, disconnecting us in ways we have never seen before.

We can no longer tolerate each other; we don’t even know how to talk to one another anymore. Eye contact, one of the most human aspects of communication, is disappearing. When we don’t look into each other’s eyes, we lose an essential part of understanding and connection. That, to me, is tragic.

After our chat, I settled in to read the “Wall Street Journal” front to back, and a chapter on U.S. foreign policy from a book by  Prof. John Mearsheimer, while immersing myself in the quiet, studious atmosphere of the library. Once done, I headed to the store for a few items, feeling accomplished and at peace.  

Despite the rain, it turned out to be a wonderful day filled with productivity, exploration, and meaningful interactions. I hope your day was just as fulfilling wherever you were.  

God bless you,  

Yours pal,  

Ronnie Law