My children bought me a new laptop computer for Christmas. Seems like it was just in time because my desktop computer keeps shutting down right in the middle of things. I’ve tried everything to solve the problems with it but it has come to the end of life thanks to the Windows 11 upgrade not being compatible.

Early this morning, I was once again trying to analyze, optimize, defragment, and debug the computer. While waiting for the processing, I remembered that I had a soda in the refrigerator. I thought to myself that I should sneak and have a sip even though soda is not appropriate for mornings. When I asked God if sneaking soda made me an addict, He said something rather profound. “At times you need different things to get you where you’re going.”

Most likely, God was pointing to the loss of my old computer and my mourning it. It’s not that I don’t want the new one, I certainly do. But me and the old computer have history. It has a comfortable keyboard and mouse that are different from the new laptop. This is kinda weird to say but it has a comfortable presence about it. I always know where to find it. I just leave it plugged in and don’t have to worry about charging it for portability (or overcharging the battery). I guess what I’m getting at is that where I’m going with God must require a more portable workstation in the form of the laptop gift. I get it. Soon, me and the laptop will have a successful working relationship (hopefully).

I’m also realizing that my 20-year-old van is still with me for the same reasons. We have a history. But “she” breaks down a lot. I have had to learn to keep my travels within a few miles of home in case there is an issue. Currently the van leaks power steering fluid, oil, and all the radiator contents through freeze plugs that aren’t easily accessible to change. Still “she” is comfortable. Much more comfortable than a car-payment and increased insurance.

Now that I’m in my later years of life, I’m seeing that many of my systems are not currently compatible either. Like my old van, I’m not easily up for the challenges of the long road ahead. The most burdensome thing about making the new teaching videos has been getting comfortable with all the technology changes. Let me name a few things that I have had to manage in this process. First, I needed to have a camera/phone that I can navigate for recording the videos. (My daughter gave me an unused phone of hers, but it has different screen commands than mine). Then, I purchased sound equipment: lapel microphones and receiver, and learned how to manage them. Lighting is next. In addition, I must also manage a YouTube channel, a website, and know how to post the videos on social media sites. Did I mention that I’m 63 years old? I was around when memory typewriters were the newest technology. When I was in my 20s, working at McDonnell Douglas, I helped manage a videoconferencing room. Cell phones were not a thing.

Thankfully, my daughter is conveniently nearby and helps me when I cry out in frustration. I accidently deleted the first video that I recently made and had to upload it again and change all the URL codes after I had already posted everything to the social media sites. Maybe me, my old computer, and my old van should all retire and leave all this to the newer models?

Please know that I’m trying to fulfill my full purpose even if it doesn’t always look pretty. If God wasn’t telling me to do this, I would likely sit this out and allow the more trendy ones to set the pace, but then there would be one less person trying to rid the churches of false doctrine. That’s not acceptable! Please be patient with me and occasionally give me a “like” for encouragement.