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/

Devotionals for the Heart: A lesson on faith learned from computer updates

Necessary Updates
A devotional by Erin M. Handley

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” 

–James 1:2-4 (ESV)

Some years back, I remember witnessing my computer install a series of updates that took so long, I thought I would never see the end of it.

At the time, my computer was my lifeline. I used it for work, school, and to stay connected to friends and family; sometimes using it for close to 20 hours a day. One night as I attempted to shut down my computer, I noticed it was ready to install a few updates. The notification stated that the device should not be powered down or unplugged, and I obliged by placing the computer to the side and allowing it to finish updating as I continued to get ready for bed.

About twenty minutes later, I noticed it hadn’t shut down and was still installing updates. I thought it was strange but didn’t think too much of it; I went to sleep. When I woke up the next morning, I noticed the computer was still updating. So far, this update had taken close to 10 hours, and I found myself beginning to panic. Something had to be wrong. If it took this long, how much longer would it take? I didn’t want to stop it for fear of messing it up and making things worse, so I waited.

Finally (somewhere around hour 15), the updates were complete, and the computer powered down. In pure shock (and with much hesitation), I restarted the computer. It powered on without any issues and worked properly just as it had the night before. The incident was strange, but after a few days of pondering, I let it go.

Months later, I was reminded of the prolonged update. Then, it hit me: Updates are downloads that the device receives for the purpose of improving the device. We don’t always have control of the updates we receive or when we receive them, but we know that when we get them, it’s to benefit and extend the life of the device. I remember applying that idea to my spiritual life trusting that the Lord knows what we need, when we need it, and He performs updates regularly in our lives to better us and His Kingdom. Great! Duly noted.

Fast forward to the year 2020.

The world seemingly stops and is turned upside down. Sadly, some of our lives turn upside down right along with it shaking loose any permanent entities we believed were tethered in our personal lives. Some of us lost jobs. Our educational systems were stretched beyond reason. Friends and families found themselves at odds as they recognized differing stances on race, politics, and religion. This is all in addition to the entire world fearing, suffering, and grieving through a pandemic many of us were not prepared for. We’ve seen so much death, destruction, and hatred in the year 2020, that it’s hard to see us returning to the world we once knew.

If you’re still reading, I want to encourage you with this:

Remember when you found yourself in that season that just wouldn’t end? The tests. The trials. All the times things just wouldn’t seem to go right … and remember how God not only brought you through it, but how He grew you through it? How in the midst of the chaos, He nurtured you in that season of waiting so you could be better on the other side of it? Maybe you haven’t experienced that season before, but you’re definitely experiencing it now. The season where you find yourself questioning if ‘this’ is what you signed up for or even if ‘it’ is worth it.

Trust me. It is.

You’ve been equipped for it. Just as that computer took so much time to install the necessary updates to keep it running smoothly, you may be in a season where He’s installing His necessary updates within you. And it may seem like you’re simply sitting and waiting, and that’s okay.

Whether you’re in the season of downloading (learning) updates or installing (applying) them, waiting can be the hardest part – but the hardest part is usually what makes the process worth it. Trust that He is equipping you with everything you need to be used for His glory.

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Author Bio:

With an ever-growing desire to continually learn the Word of God and present teachings based on Biblical principles, Erin M. Handley is committed to her calling of teaching and inspiring others to ‘be more by doing more.’ With this in mind, Erin mentors young women and appreciates seeing the growth and change in the lives she impacts.

While she sincerely enjoys mentoring and speaking to young people, she is most passionate about educating and empowering women from various stages of life about biblical womanhood and how to live out those principles in today’s world.

For over 15 years, Erin has worked with youth and adolescents in the fields of mental and behavioral health, education, and ministry. When reflecting on her experiences in ministry and non-ministry settings, her most memorable encounters have been those that allowed her the opportunity to teach the Word of God in a way that is most relatable to the audience she served in that moment. She has enjoyed writing since her youth, but only recently felt the call to share her writing with the world.

With an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in Ministry and Pastoral Counseling, Erin M. Handley has been fortunate to be able to leverage her gifts and her passions throughout her career in Education. Aside from reading, writing, and mentoring, Erin enjoys dancing, interior design, cooking, and most other activities which allow her to utilize her creativity.