Well, this last week my computer hit an all time low. It was being upgraded (much needed!!) and well that meant storing pictures and files and music on an external hard drive to make room. Too much stuff. That was my computer analyst's diagnosis (my brother). He told me I had to get rid of the junk and store it somewhere else. Then in the midst of it all, another friend offered to take a look at it and see what could be done. It ended up needing to be defragmented. And after that, I needed to delete programs that were taking up space but not being used. (Bear with me if you're lost in the computer jargon. I don't get much of it myself!)
SO I was thinking. A lot like life right? Just when things get busy, sometimes our inner lives hit an all time low, unable to process all the details and circumstances because there's so much junk clogging up the "memory". And usually it ends up coming out in a "computer crash" style where we blow up or have a good cry. But it really doesn't have to be that way if we take time to do regular updates and maintenance.
If we take the time to deal with the junk in our lives (unforgiveness mainly, and also give the stresses of life to God who never meant for us to try and live through them alone), then there is room in the memory. Then we can be "de-fragmented". The Holy Spirit can shine through the cracks of our fragmented lives and we are made whole by the Father God. Pretty amazing.
And deleting the programs. I have been convicted lately that many of us have too many "programs" jamming up our lives. I mean really! So many things that we just "have to do". I think most of us are addicted to stress or at least the adrenaline of activity. I am trying more and more to be less of this kind of a person. I really want to take time to consider what things I add to my schedule and life (programs) and then let them run and really really enjoy them fully. I would consider myself a "recovering workaholic" trying to find a healthy balance that is pleasing to God. So, in the midst of illness and several circumstances God in His grace and wisdom "slowed me down" so I would be forced to take the time to pray and thoughtfully consider the possibilities before jumping in with both feet! With this year soon ending and a new one beginning quickly, I find myself reflecting and once more reconsidering my "programs" thinking through which ones should be deleted and which ones God would have me continue.
Guess I really missed my laptop. And I'm thankful by the way that it's got some life left still. I almost destroyed it with too many files and programs, but things seem to have improved greatly. I could say the same about life. I'm thankful for these lessons God has brought me through, though at many times painful. I almost burnt out with too many programs and activities (all good things I might add). Things seem to have improved greatly. But only by God's grace. With all the frantic activity, I really missed knowing Him. I mean really knowing Him (not just an on-the-go Bible reading and prayer). When there's more room on the hard drive of my life, there's plenty of space for this priority. And while it requires regular maintenance, it's well worth the time!
Thanks for reading. May God encourage you where you are.
