We’ve all seen people sitting in restaurants with friends and not communicating at all because each of them is busy texting someone else. Or maybe they’re actually texting the people sitting right across from them. When we witness these communication fouls we wonder if the art of friendship is becoming lost to machines.

As I was thinking about that sad problem, my mind moved on to some of the wonderful friendships I’ve cultivated online with writing friends. I may not have met these people face to face, but I know a lot about them. I know their struggles with their writing goals and dreams, I know their family problems and the things that break their hearts. I may know them better than the people I sit next to at church.

I’ve had the opportunity to share with many writer friends from afar. I know editors who need an encouraging word from time to time. I know writers who have toiled at their craft for years with little to show in terms of published work. I know those who deeply desire to impact others with their writing and to glorify God in the process.

So while it may be a sad time in the history of communication when we see people choosing machines over people, let me remind you (and myself) that it’s possible to get to know and care for others via the internet. It really is possible to have virtual friendships that matter.

And here is a special shout out to my virtual friends extraordinaire: The Golden Girls. You know who you are.