“Eureka!” I thought. “That’s it! Texting: a blessing or a nightmare? A gift or the curse of modern technology?”

The text on my phone read, Hi, I’m in town for a few hours. Would love to catch up. In the coffee shop on the Avenue at about 2:00 before I leave for my 5 PM flight. Looking forward!

My school-hood friend — so nice of her to reach out! I glanced at my watch. It read 5:00. Most likely, her plane was starting down the runway. I rolled my eyes in frustration. “Why, oh why, didn’t she call me instead of texting?” I asked my daughter.

“Really, Mom, nobody calls, they just assume you’re checking your phone. You can’t possibly be insulted!”

Okay, maybe not insulted, but frustrated or bewildered? I was busy all afternoon and hadn’t checked my text messages. Was that a crime or irresponsible on my part?

There are no coincidences, and the One Above runs the world. So shortly after this “lesson” in 21st-century communication, I received an email from my editor: How about a Yom Tov theme for the next column, something related to the Yamim Noraim?

The pages of Mishpacha — and shiurim, articles, and websites — are replete with messages about this time of year. What could I add to that plethora of scholarly and erudite material?