crazy technology

Last night after a debacle that occurred simply because I was trying to get my wordpress website up and running, I have once again been reminded of two important truths. Number one; I hate technology and two; I have a husband who has a very generous nature.

So, I need to get my website up and running and since my husband is so busy these days, I decided to get a service from a site that would not only assist me in setting up my site but also in running it.

I chose to buy this service for a couple of reasons, I wanted assistance in setting the site up, true, but I also knew I was going to need help in the future. I didn’t want to have to always rely on someone else to figure out how to do stuff on my website. (I think the word “stuff” indicates just how clueless I am when it comes to technology.)

Here’s the thing. The site made their services look so inexpensive—showing how much I would pay on a monthly basis. It seemed so reasonable. What I didn’t realize is that they would be charging me upfront for three full years. By the time I realized this, it was too late. 

The worst part is that it didn’t help me at all. Hours later, okay probably more like fifteen minutes later, I was as confused as ever and had come no closer to setting up my site than before. My shoulders were tense. My brain was fried, and I felt beyond discouraged. 

With complete frustration written all over my face, I went down and told my hubby what I’d done. He took one look at my stressed, irritated self gave me a hug and said, “Honey you’re a writer, not a computer programmer.” Of course he meant it in the best possible way, and, I have to say, truer words were never spoken.

When John and I were first married, I had a computer that I had inherited from my mom. John referred to it fondly in one of two ways—the “dinosaur” or my adding machine. According to him, I would still be using that computer if it weren’t for his insistence that I upgrade. 

A few weeks back, I was visiting with a friend and we were discussing how fast technology comes out these days. It seems like within weeks, my iphone five (if that’s what it is) has become obsolete. Of course I am exaggerating, but for someone who needs at least a year to figure new gadgets out, it’s exhausting.

And it seems like things come out so fast that they still have all these little glitches. (I’m assuming that’s what upgrades are for). But my question is, why not just make stuff really good and sound in the first place?

Even as I write this my shoulders are tensing up and my nostrils are flaring, so this is where I’ll sign off leaving you with one last thought; my husband is truly correct. It is a good thing I have some writing skills. I don’t think a career in technology would ever pan out for me.

Tough Times

 . . . it is very well worthwhile to be tormented for two or three years of one’s life, for the sake of being able to read all the rest of it. ~Jane Austen

 

Tormented. Strong word, huh? Tormented. I don’t know about you, but there have been times in my life when that is exactly how I’ve felt; tormented. During those times God seemed to be in a land far, far away while I was left wandering in the desert, desperately searching for an oasis.

Pre-diagnosis days were truly tormenting. While I was stumbling through the darkness, I happened upon the above quote from Jane Austen. Her wording captured how I felt then and what I’ve learned about myself now. Though I hated the tough times, there were so many good things that came from them. 

When you’re suffering and God seems far off, it feels as though He doesn’t care, not one little bit. But I want to encourage you today to look at suffering a little bit differently, reflecting on what is really going on. 

Hebrews 12:10-11 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (NLT) 

Those last two sentences truly said everything my thirsting soul needed to hear at the time. I clung to them like a drowning man grasping on to a life preserver. 

In this excerpt from Pools, I reflect back on how the worst times of my life were actually the most productive: 

“Basically it comes down to this. I am thankful that I am bipolar. No, you don’t need to get reading glasses, you read it correctly, I’m thankful to be bipolar. There are so many good things that have happened in my life as a result of this illness. A lot of it has been character development, learning to be hopeful, patient, humble, kind. All of these things are learned best, I believe, in the crucible of life, in the ‘Valley of Weeping.’” 

  

A week ago or so, we were meeting with our small group when this whole concept of trials came up. Many of us agreed that, though we hate them, the periods in our lives when our suffering has been most keen are the times we have clung to God and His Word like never before.

It’s in the good times that’s it’s easy to forget about God. So rejoice that you are struggling. God is doing a great work in your heart—a work that is making you, not only who you want to be, but, more importantly, who He wants you to be.