I'm not quite sure what button I pushed, program I downloaded, virus my machine contracted, or process I interrupted to make my laptop computer revolt. But one moment I was typing, researching, and enjoying seamless work flow. The next, I was struggling to connect to the Internet and completely unable to open previously saved documents.
Arrrggghhh!!!
Though I don't purport to be remarkably tech savvy, I did try my darnedest to troubleshoot the issues. Unfortunately for me, Daily Cup family, my DIY support services weren't very productive.
So I sought help.
With the guidance of my tech guy, I restarted the computer, disassembled then reassembled certain basic parts, and even ran a virus scan. Oh how I would love to report that all was quickly resolved... but not so much.
Sad to say, I'm still stuck at square one and it looks like I'm going to have to send my device in for a serious diagnostic test and hopefully, a speedy repair.
My consistent blog readers already know computer glitches annoy me endlessly, particularly the stubborn kind that wreak havoc on my productivity. And since I do lots of writing and communications-related work, my laptop is an absolute necessity.
But technology software and hardware can be extremely unreliable and temperamental. That doesn't change the fact that it is an integral part of my life, I need it, and have to learn to deal with all its imperfections.
That lesson can apply to lots of things in our lives, huh?
There are plenty situations and issues that try our patience and really work our nerves. But that doesn't mean we get to detach from them, discard them, and move on to the next thing. Sometimes, disagreeable circumstances come right along with the greatest blessings. The good and bad, bitter and sweet, great and not-so-great are fused together into a holistic experience.
The various things and opportunities that make our destiny possible, and life sweeter, often test and challenge us greatly.
Ideally, we would like to take out all the negative and be left with only the positive parts of things. But there are pros and cons, pluses and minuses, smooth and rough patches, that pave every single one of life's paths. If you are seeking some sort of utopia where everything is bliss and devoid of problems, that fruitless quest will never end.
Our world is imperfect. Storms arise. Breakdowns, setbacks, and mishaps occur. But we accept it, deal with it, and keep moving forward. The good news is, eventually, things will regulate, improve, and come together. In the meantime, we have to learn how to feel the annoyance and frustration, without allowing our emotions to control us.
That's the mature approach to setbacks and the sort of mentality that will keep you from being bowled over or overwhelmed by the "stuff of life."
So today, to help you remember that difficulties--great or small--aren't rare occurrences, but commonplace instances we all face, I'm stirring 1 Peter 4:12 NIV into your cup of inspiration. It says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."
When you drink down the contents of your cup of inspiration, instead of fretting and breaking down over tests, trials, inconveniences, and struggles, you'll recognize that storms are natural parts of existence. They blow through everyone's life at some point, but they don't last.
Yes, they do feel uncomfortable and no one really welcomes them. But we all must learn to accept and coexist with trouble if we are to live joyfully in imperfect circumstances.
After all, if you really think about it, the good in our lives far outweighs the bad.
So don't get too rattled. Rest in God, remember this word, and regroup.
Now let's pray.
God, thank You for this reminder that uncomfortable tests and trials will invade my world, but they don't signify the end of the world. I pray that You will help me not to panic, fret, and break down under pressure and the weight of my problems. But teach me to keep things in perspective and look to You to be my strength, joy, and peace through it all. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
