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I went into the cell phone store because my high tech cell phone was acting up. The touch screen was not behaving correctly. So, I was sure that my PDA was defective. At least that’s what I thought.
While I was on the road I contemplated the next steps in a major decision for the ministry that I lead. It was time to send a confidential communication. But, when I was searching for addresses in my contact list I tapped a specific name but the PDA entered a name that was two above the one that I had selected.
I didn’t notice the mistake. From past experieince I proof-read the message but not the recipients. Satisfied that I had my message accurate I touched SEND and the message was launched instantly through cyberspace.
After a few brief moments ONE of my team informed me through an email that one of the recipients was incorrect. Aghast, I called up the message and immediately noticed the inaccurate addressee. I was relieved that he was a responsible and confidential friend.
I quickly sent him an email explaining the situation and asked him to disregard the sensitive information. But, I was annoyed at my normally dependable techy-world equipment. I explained this defective instrument to the technology expert at the shop.
Of course I “knew” that it was the electronic unit that was defective. She smiled went through a quick check and handed it back to me with cheer. All it needed was a system reboot. I knew that!
Just to vindicate my low tech prowess I told her that the stylus was already lost. It doesn’t say in place and probably was crying out in lonely agony in some dark alley in the city. Again she smiled and offered that I could order a multi-pack directly from their on-line store…a multi-pack??
She kept up her friendly smile through every one of my major issues. Her whole engagement with me was at least three and a quarter minutes. I waited longer to see her than it took for her to solve my two cataclysmic conundrums.
Obliged to smile back at her efficient and hospitable service, I left the store realizing that AGAIN “operator error” was my biggest nemesis. ”Oh, bother…” is the timeless expression of Eeyore. Of course when I arrived at home I found my PDA stylus sitting on my desk where I had left it.
For at least a few more days we will be pummeled by advertisements for those running for political office. These candidates are pouring huge amounts of money into their campaigns during the final stretch before Election Day. Some are effusively confident. Others are worried and dispondent.
The emotions wrapped up in this year’s campaign are stunning. There are limits to conversations because of the intensity of what this campaign represents. An old fashioned adage of “never discussing religion or politics with friends and family” is almost laughable during this Presidential campaign.
Half of this conversation, however, still might be true. There are some who will not talk about their faith or matters related to faith. They curtly announce that this topic is too personal and they would like to keep that topic to themselves.
I haven’t heard anyone put up that defense in recent days. Instead, everyone is too busy giving an opinion on one of the two candidates running for President. If there are two groups representing the two primary candidates for President, then, I haven’t seen a lot of social mixing between the opposite sides.
Most of the people that fill our days have a similar view on politics. Yet, there is plenty of evidence that another group is active. In fact in my circles I interact with both sides frequently.
But, no matter which way this election goes, I will not allow myself to be discouraged. I will be a good citizen. My vote will be cast. It is done with thoughtful conviction.
However, my tranquility is not dependent on the outcome of this election. My hope is in one man but not one of the two who are running for office. He does fall into the category of “not to talk about” in the opinion of some people in our country.
My hope is exclusively locked into the God-man, Jesus Christ. He is the loving Son of God who gave His life for me. When I chose to hitch my wagon to His train, I have never been disappointed. Instead, I have been blessed, encouraged, and hopeful.
God has promised that He alone raises and brings down those who hold a position of leadership. God has established to whoever is in authority. Since I then trust in my Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, I can have peace no matter what the outcome of this election. I have put my total faith in Him.
Maybe it’s the Presidential election that causes complaining to appear overly prevalent. Of course the airwaves are replete with criticism and constant whining about how bad everything is. Are we really that easily swayed?
Yes, I’m sympathetic for those whose jobs are at risk. Those threats are certainly real. You can’t live in Michigan today and NOT be aware of the extremely difficult circumstances in the job market. All of this uncertainty is sobering.
When families lose their income and don’t have a new means to replace it the unknown future makes everyone unsettled. Our rainy day savings don’t last long in tough times. A bleak future makes everyone a little grumpy and testy. It is sobering.
But, as for me and my house we remain thankful. Both my wife and I have jobs. Our employment in these difficult days are positions that we enjoy. I am grateful.
Our freezers are full and we are current on all of our bills. There are no neglected household repairs waiting for attention. Our vehicles are in good running order. I am so grateful.
All of my children are gainfully employed. They have a bright future ahead of them. Their marriages are strong. They are firmly planted and actively serving in good churches. I am very grateful.
At work we have a strong financial foundation that has grown stronger every year. That story alone is worth our gratitude. The seminary that I lead is a not-for-profit organization. There are many organizations in the not-for-profit world that are hurting more than ever in their history. In our ministry I am deeply grateful.
A tough economy makes charitable giving one of the first areas that is cut by benefactors. Everyone of us who is out there seeking donations for our organization is facing an uphill challenge. Many of our donors keep on giving. I am sincerely grateful for them.
When the stories of crumbling businesses, dried up sales, and frequent pink slips flow relentlessly I want to write a check and give them money. Yet, there are many in this country who have the resources to keep on giving. Their example of sacrificial generosity makes me understand gratitude.
This is a phenomenal country. Even when the world is facing a major recession, many Americans keep on giving. They have hearts that tighten up in their own livelihood in order to keep on giving to organizations like the one I represent. I am very very grateful.
My PDA is also my cell phone. It also has my rountine schedule which is organized around each day of the week. Of course all of my contacts are there. My connection with people via email and texting are all wrapped up in that little unit.
Yesterday I was out for a hike in the woods. It was exhilarating. Once darkness set in it was time to head back to the car and get out of the cold and the rain.
We had people to visit. Besides it was dinner time and my buddy and I had an invitation to his parents for our evening meal. I was looking forward to a relaxing evening in a loving home.
Once we arrived at our destination we were hungry and eager to warm up. We took off our boots in the garage and took off our coats once we entered the house. There were hugs all around.
That’s when I noticed that something was wrong. Usually, I reach for my PDA just to make sure that the ringer is put on vibrate so that it won’t disturb polite conversation. But, when I reached for my phone it wasn’t on my belt.
All evening I was enjoying the fellowship around the table while being totally distracted with the concern over losing my phone. On the way to our hotel I told my buddy about the loss. We planned to search for it in the woods where we had just explored hours earlier.
It was a difficult night’s sleep. I was feeling very badly about losing such an important item. The cost, the inconvenience, the unsettledness was all such an unpleasant distraction.
Early the next morning we prayerfully drove back to our drop off point into the woods. We retraced our steps by car as best that we could. It was still dark outside. The sun had not yet risen. But, the car headlights were perfect for scanning the ground that we had tread the night before.
The car beams cast their streams of light on a dark mound in the dirt. I was hopeful. The car came to a halt, I disembarked, walked to the shadow on the ground, reached down and picked up my PDA phone!
My exhilaration was hard to contain. Hope drove us both back into the woods. Discovery gave us great delight. It once was lost, deeply missed but, now after one night apart it was found!
Every year I wonder about the magnificent display of color here in Michigan. Usually, the show happens during the first two weeks of October. Everyone talks about taking a color tour, plans for it, and tries to fit it into their busy schedules.
This year I set aside the time in my schedule for my wife and I to take a drive North. Our plan was to enjoy the multi-color transformation by the Creator. As the forest gets ready to sleep through the winter, it puts on a display of dazzling colors and then sheds its leaves.
The chloriphil and sap stop flowing so that the leaves drop and the tree turns dormant. But, it is more than merely the passing of a scientific transition occuring. Rather God adds a splash of color, an aesthetic clash of stunning radiance for the world to enjoy.
Catching the timing of that display of glowing yellows, blazing oranges and dashing reds is the challenge. If the change takes place during the work week most of us are sunk. Or even when a wind storm visits our state, the decked out trees can be stripped naked before anyone can snap a picture.
Nevertheless, I was hoping to capture something astounding in my memory disk. I had set aside the entire day for a journey north. The monitor of color informed me over the computer that the trees were peaking just a few hours north.
Someone got it wrong. I drove a hundred miles north. Then, I got sleepy! I had to turn around and head back home. There were so many trees that were still green that we got excited when we saw just a small clump of Autumn trees standing out in their transition foilage.
It’s humorous to drive for miles and get excited about three trees that are turning color. Most of the foilage is still green. The oak trees are all brown. There was no stunning rainbow of colors decking the flora of the North.
After assessing the journey and turning the corner to our home, I laughed. There were as many trees and bushes in my own yard that were showing off their brillant colors as there were on our half day journey North. We should have stayed home, saved the gas, and just walked around our neighborhood.
My journey to Wyoming this year was with a bit of nostalgia. This was the seventh year of taking this trip with good friends. The first six were all business related. This year we cancelled the business focus and decided to just enjoy our friendship at a location that we have all treasured. Instead of elaborate menus we had simple casseroles. In place of a jam-packed schedule we had let our mood set the agenda of activities.
When we drove out to the prairie for some rigorous hiking, my modern-day-cowboy-buddies brought their PDA’s. During the pick-up truck ride, they were reading stock reports, checking on email, texting clients, carrying on long-distance telephone calls all while on the scenic back roads of the Wyoming landscape. I smiled. My PDA was purposely left back at the cabin!
The vast open skies and natural rugged rocky monuments let me gaze into the heavens and whisper many prayers to my Father God. I enjoyed the fellowship. My hurts of recent days enjoyed the salve of His gentle touch. Words from His Scripture wafted over my spirit. I felt comforted.
Last year I experienced one of those life-changing moments right here in Wyoming. My feet had been hurting for years. I have tried many different styles and brands of shoes. Nothing worked. It was frustrating with all of the standing and travelling that make up my routine.
That’s when I took the advice of Cowboy Ron. He suggested that I give cowboy boots a try. I was aghast! They look great but also look uncomfortable. But, since nothing else had worked, I agreed and we went to a Western Outfitter’s shop. With the expert advice of the shop owner I tried on a pair of cowboy boots.
It was an instant hit with me. I wore them home and haven’t stopped wearing them since. They made this one year anniversary trip to Wyoming with me.
So here I am with three urban-cowboy-friends: Ron, Andy and Mark. We are all trying to find some respite in our very hectic careers. Wyoming, God’s country, welcomed us to serenity.
Last night after three full days, we sat around the living room, PDA’s were off, lounging in casual clothes, reflecting over God’s great blessings, and cheering each other on with the challenges that He has on our plate. One hundred years earlier, we could have been cowboys around a campfire after a long hard day of driving cattle.
Wyoming is a beautiful state. It’s wide open prairies capture an expanse so different from the coasts or mountains or forests. There aren’t many people there so the normal sights of civilization are not around.
Don’t get me wrong. I love civilization. However, I deeply appreciate the variety of this amazing country. God created this beautiful land and has given it to us who live in the good ol’ USofA!
All fifty states are different from each other. Each state has its special features. Wyoming’s wide open praries is one of its great wonders.
From my friend’s cabin you can look West and see the Rocky Mountains sillouetted against the sky. His cabin is surrounded by gently rolling hills, Pronghorn Antelope, rabbits, Elk, coyote, and occasional mountain lion. Homes here have a minimum of 5 acres of land surrounding them.
With the great expanses in this region and few houses the sunrises and sunsets are always spectacular. I can stand staring out the picture window for a long time and watch God’s creation unfold its dazzling light display. Each morning and evening is different.
After a great night’s sleep I wake up before my alarm and jump out of bed motivated by the “call of nature.” But, the single bathroom is occupied. Being a man has its benefits. Responding to this nature call is one of them.
Still in my sleep wear I pad out to the living room, slip on my water socks, and don a winter jacket. The Wyoming Autumn is a combination of frigid temperatures, blustery winds, and always the threat of rain or snow. It is still completely dark outside.
I opened the door to the cabin and the Wyoming winds greet me with smack in the face. The instant chill forces me to clutch my coat together. The urge to finish my biological task is strong.
Once I step out into the cold night I pulled the cabin door shut behind me. There was in that instant an awful sound. The door latched automatically and the door knob did not turn. Argh! I was locked out of the house!
Once I had finished my business I had no other choice. Realizing that I was now bound to take a lot of ribbing I pressed the door bell several times. My host appeared with the appropriate smile, opened the door, and welcomed me. At least I was warm and totally relieved.
I’m a seasoned traveler. At least many of my friends say that I am. I have enough frequent flyer miles to indicate that such may be the case. But, then again experience would suggest that a rookie-traveler-mistake is not one that I would make.
In my early days of travel I never understood the problem of jet-lag. Why were people so tired when they arrived at their destination? It seemed like a lot of talk about nothing.
Of course when most of my travel was in the same time zone there’s not a lot of jet-lag to experience. Once life became more complex my travels expanded to three times zones or more. Then, I was strategizing through the bodily abuse that comes from travel, lost luggage, weather delays, and cancelled connecting-flights.
But, experience was becoming the best teacher. I learned what to pack, how to control my time at the destination, what to do on the plane to relax, and steps to take when travel plans were messed up.
One detail that helped out a lot was finding the right kind of alarm clock to bring with me. The best kind was one that was compact. It was also great when the alarm was loud. If the battery was easily replaceable in most of my destinations was a positive. Adjusting it quickly and easily was also a plus.
My travel alarm clock has many frequent flyer miles with me. It qualifies with all of the preferences that I have listed above. But, it doesn’t automatically set itself to the new time zone.
Aha! You’re correctly growing in your suspicion. Quit laughing! OK, I went from Eastern time to Mountain time and forgot to adjust my alarm clock. Wake up time was 6AM. Of course I was up at 4AM, hit the shower, sorted out my gear for the day. Suddenly, I remembered!
Oh, no! I didn’t really forget to set my alarm clock to the new time zone, did I? I lunged over to my alarm clock and compared it to my wristwatch that I had adjusted once we landed in Denver. Rats! I was up two hours early!
I sent my wife a chagrined text message and told her about my momentary oversight. At least my travelling partners could take a shower at their convenience. Now, it was time for a nap! At least I wasn’t going to be late.
This morning the alarm clock went off just as I had set it. 5:30AM came very early, especially since I went to bed later than usual. My state of mind in the evening is so optimistic but the sleepy guy who wakes up has a terrible memory, always wondering.
Once the morning fog lifts it doesn’t take me long to get excited about this trip. The night before I finished packing my bag and setting aside my outdoor gear. With all of my chores done I triple checked my airline ticket and set my alarm clock accordingly.
I loaded up my truck, and set off for my rendezvous point. Traffic was light. Darkness still enveloped my adopted state of Michigan.
My buddy and I made a seamless connection. At the airport security beeped me. It was my belt. There was not much else left that I could take off.
Once in the plane I had a series of options to make good use of my three hour flight. I had a new novel to read. My computer was charged up and ready for hours of writing. While I could not transmit anything electronically, I could compose answers to a long list of email stacked up in my PDA.
As you can see, I had ever good intention to be productive. I started out well too. My novel was opened and I read at least four chapters. OK, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but I read enough to know that I was really going to enjoy the book.
My eyes were a bit tired so I stopped reading for just a few moments. I purchased a can of pink lemonade. It was a part of the NW Airlines program to support the fight against breast cancer. The flight attendant was thrilled that I participated and even more overjoyed when I told her to keep the change for the cause.
With the fruit bowl consumed and the pink lemonade downed to wash it all down I’m at a loss to recall many more details for you. But, when the airplane was on approach I did wake up in time to stow my tray table, bring my seat back to its full and upright position, and to insure that my seat belt was securely fastened low and tight across my lap. I didn’t get much work done but I was well rested.
When God wired my mind, He made me see things in pictures. Numbers, formulas, and theories don’t always resonate with me. Computers and modern technical units leave me a bit baffled. Major advances in the world of Audio Visual equipment has left me in the dust.
I have boxes full of video tapes that I want to preserve. They have been stored for years while my family exclusively adds DVD movies. Eventually, I was alerted to the option of acquiring a DVR unit that would enable me to copy my old VHS movies on to writable discs.
That option was intriguing. So off to the AV store I went. To my surprise these units for recording not only existed but have existed for years. I had waited so long that the units are now very reasonable so I bought one.
That was my economic side expressing itself that I had made a deal. But, the glow of that delight dimmed quickly while I was reading the instructions on how to operate that machine. No one will ever be able to convince me that the technical writer for these machines was not a long time enemy from my past trying to get even with me for past pranks in my youth.
The intstructions didn’t make much sense to me. I triple checked my plugs and wires. It sorta looked right to me.
Uncomfortably satisfied, I loaded up a VHS tape that I wanted digitally converted, placed a writable disc into the machine, and pressed all of the right buttons. Several hours later I returned and said a short prayer to which I am sure made God chuckle. I pressed the play button for the DVD player, watched the monitor with eager antcipation, and found myself taking in the best view of a blank screen that I have ever seen.
A friend with natural technical skills helped me with my new fangled equipment. He smiled as the transfer successfully produced the preserved show that I wanted. So, he wrote down the instructions for me to follow.
Eagerly and proudly I returned home feeling that I had taken a great leap for the non-technical population of man. Following the instructions to the letter I was certain that only something good would result. Hours later I returned to play a second great recording of a blank screen. I’m batting 1,000. Consistency is a good quality, isn’t it?
