This New World!

For a long time the changes brought by technology have been creeping up on us. Rather than fighting it, I have dabbled in the internet. Skype brings me my Vancouver grandchildren.

I can’t hug them, or crawl into their tents of blankets and pillows, but I can see them, talk to them, even read to them. Google has become my “Go-to” for quick information. It’s not always reliable, but it’s fast and available. E-mail, cell phone and texting are how I keep in touch when I lose Tom in a big box store, I just phone him and ask, “Where are you?” My camera is always handy. Driving at night feels safer. Problem: I’m available to that phone 24/7. It’s easy to become addicted. There is always something else to check.

COVID-19, has dragged me full tilt into the online world. At this point whether I like it or not, most of my human interaction is done on the internet – meetings, shopping, even church. When I telephone a business for help, I hear are, “Your call is important to us. The first available agent will help you. Estimated wait time is one hour and fifteen minutes. You will find answers to your questions on our website.” At times I’d like to slam down the phone and scream. If I could find an answer on the website, would I have called?

The bottom line? Change has come. Now that there is hope that the pandemic restrictions might slowly recede, it’s important to stop, breathe and step into our new world with wisdom. Returning to life exactly as it used to be will not happen. The internet is here to stay.

Let’s use our wisdom to live well in this new world. The following suggestions might help.

  1. Begin with prayer. Pray for the leaders of our world, our churches & community. Pray for ourselves. God will be with us. Let’s access God’s power. This is not a prayer telling God how we want it to be. This is a prayer asking for openness and wisdom to be set free in our world.
  2. Prepare lists. Look carefully at the past. What is really important? For example: Being together physically – exchanging hugs, feeling the power and presence of God within each one of us. Once that list is made, prepare another. This time list the amazing new things that have come from our new on-line life. Once both lists are made, we are ready for discussion with others. Listen carefully. Ask questions. Brainstorm.
  3. Finally, pray some more. Try to discern what is best. Sit quietly with your lists. Shut down all your complaints, your questions, your fears. Just focus on God. If your mind wanders, bring it back. Listen for God’s thoughts on this new world.

Prayer, Prepare, More Prayer – what better way to equip ourselves for living. Even Google’s advice can’t improve on that. I’m reminded of Jesus’ Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25). We don’t want to get left behind lost in the past. We don’t want our past to disappear. We do want to step forward with joy and wisdom.

Today’s Faith by Rev. Janet Stobie

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