Devotionals for the Heart: A life lesson learned from opening a shutter

Closed Shutter
A devotional by Kay Pflueger

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” 

– Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

Modern technology baffles me at times.

Prior to the pandemic shutdown of 2020, I had never used a laptop computer; but when my employer requested that we work from home, I was given one to use to stay connected to my co-workers. I learned the basics—just enough to get by. I ended up purchasing one of my own when my employment tenure ended and learning the nuances of a laptop vs. a desktop computer has been interesting to say the least.

I recently had an experience with my laptop that was embarrassing but enlightening at the same time. Our family has a weekly Zoom call on Sunday afternoons, and when I logged on per usual, my camera was blacked out. So, I logged off and tried again—with the same result. As we are all told to “reboot” when all else fails, that is what I did. No change. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the camera app with no success.

Fortunately, my laptop was still under warranty so at this point, I contacted the Geek Squad via on-line chat. After the pleasantries of “hello” and “what is issue?” the technician asked me if my laptop had a slide bar at the top where the camera lens is. I had never noticed that bar before, but I discovered it had somehow been moved and was covering the lens. Problem solved! How embarrassing that something so simple had caused such anguish!

As I said, this was also an enlightening experience. Now I know how to solve this issue should it arise again, but I also learned a greater lesson through this. If I had taken the time to check out the features of my laptop, I would have known that slide bar was there and that it could shut off access to the camera if I desired. Investing the time to discover that feature would have saved the frustration I felt that Sunday afternoon.

I thought about how often I have tried to resolve problems using my own tactics only to find no resolution. It all seems futile and dark—much like that closed shutter of my camera. In my own efforts to figure things out, I often miss the answers that only He can provide. Much like investing that time to learn about my laptop, spending time in reading God’s word, in fellowship with other believers, and in connecting with Him in prayer will help discern His direction.

Reading the manual beforehand would have helped me to quickly troubleshoot the problem with my laptop; just as knowing God and reading His Manual (The Holy Bible) before problems arise can help us find the answers we need.

Opening the closed shutter of my mind and heart allows His light and love to shine in. My cloudy vision is made clearer. I am reminded of John 8:12 (NIV), where Jesus Christ says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

All it takes is opening the shutter.

Let’s Pray: Forgive us, God, when we think we know how best to solve our problems. You and only you have the answers. Keep our minds and our hearts open to your guidance. When all seems dark and we can’t find our way, help us focus on your light and your love. You are the light of the world. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Kay’s devotional today reminds me of the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart” performed by Michael W. Smith. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Learning to read as a young child opened a world of adventure for Kay Pflueger. She came to realize that words can have a unique power and beauty.

Choosing to share those words in her devotional writings has become a joyful and rewarding experience for her. As a widow, she feels a special affinity towards those who are grieving or experiencing loss.

When she is not spending time with her married son and three grandchildren, she is either reading, cooking, writing, or working on pursuing her Copyediting Certification.

Kay is an avid baseball fan who looks forward every summer to following her favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.

She is an active member of Victory Lutheran Church in her hometown of San Diego, California.

Kay enjoys writing devotions to be shared on her church’s website and personal social media.

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Connect with Kay:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kay.m.pflueger
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irishsweetpea/