“First blogs; then Facebook. Now Twitter. Wit or wisdom in 140 characters or less. Pressure!”

The above paragraph was going to be it for this Spirit Spot but I think Robert wanted something more substantial. So here goes.

Remember when blogging first appeared? It seemed like everybody jumped on that bandwagon, pontificating on topics both sublime and mundane. But people soon tired of the need to write long article-length blogs.

Then Facebook came along with its status updates. “What’s on your mind?” was the question, and Facebook friends had a virtual party trading quips.

Now Twitter is in the picture but their “What are you doing?” box has a serious limitation: only 140 characters allowed! What can one write with so few words?

Admittedly, at first I saw no value in Twitter. Who cares what someone else is doing right now? Since the service is free I thought I’d try it as a joke: “I am walking down the street.” “I am lifting up my right foot.” “I am lifting up my left foot. . .”

Now I see Twitter’s value as a networking tool. At the recent National Pastoral Musicians convention in Chicago I tweeted: “On my way to perform with Tom Booth and Josh Blakesley @ Rockin’ the Runway.” Several people thanked me after the late-night show because they didn’t know about the concert until they saw my tweet.

But only 140 characters! As a writer I like a challenge, and Twitter has become a vehicle for me to give instant scriptural reflection:

“God works miracles from meager sources. Five loaves and two fish were more than enough for Jesus to feed a multitude.”

It also gives me an opportunity to showcase my somewhat warped sense of humor:

“The following statement is true. The previous statement is false.”

“Is ambivalence a good thing? Yes and no.”

“Everybody repeat after me: ‘We are all individuals.’”

So Twitter can be a lot of fun and I invite you to follow me @kencanedo.

Meanwhile, it seems that even the psalmist tweeted way back when. Check out Psalm 117. Less than 140 characters!

Praise the Lord, all nations. Extol him, all you peoples!
For his love is strong, the Lord’s faithfulness eternal.

@steveangrisano @SarahHart @robertfeduccia @mattmahermusic @joshblakesley @chrispadgett @jessemanibusan @jackiefrancois @ikendolo @jennypixler