My phone died today. It was a sudden death, brought on by some internal hardwiring malfunction that would not allow it to charge anymore. Yesterday it was fine, charged up to 100% and I went about my day and thought nothing of it. Today, I awoke and it had only 5% battery life left after charging all night. Uh-oh. I quickly backed it up to my computer knowing that the prospects for it’s survival were slim. It performed it’s last duty when I queried Siri “Where is the closest Verizion store?” She listed three that were nearby. I followed her circuitous directions with her 2% remaining energy that had me circle around the round about two times and turn around in a church parking lot wasting valuable battery life until she finally had me head east on 96th Street all the way across a main through fair U.S. 31. With less than one percent of battery left, her dying words were a heroic proclamation “Your destination is ahead on the left” and she finally sputtered and blipped out. However, there was no Verizion store to be found! Ahead on the left were just a collection of office buildings. Ding Dang Siri had led me astray again! Then I looked up and, with a laugh, noticed that on the top floor of the closest 15 story office building “on the left” had a big bold neon letters it said “Verizion Wireless” – it was one of their district office headquarters! Although I was tempted to walk in the lobby to ask where the closest storefront was, instead I shot up a prayer: “Lord, please help me find the closest Verizion store!” I know, it sounds crazy. But you see, I’m directionally challenged. And I was feeling really vulnerable for those last few miles as my phone crashed and burned. We don’t realize how reliant we are on our phones until you either leave it at home or it dies, as mine just had. In addition to the fear of being lost, I kept thinking, “What if preschool is trying to get a hold of me?” Or my husband was actually on an airplane at the same time and we stay in touch as he travels via texts and “what if he’s trying to reach me?” But thankfully the celestial GPS kicked in and guided me to the closest store. And I think it’s no coincidence that while waiting in the store I ran into my former college roommate/sorority sister whom I haven’t seen except for Christmas cards for too long.
Finally, they attempted to resuscitate my phone, to no avail, but while doing so, the Verizion associate imparted some cell phone theology with me. (Which was also no coincidence.) He asked if my phone had been updated with the latest software, which it had not. He asked if I could remember seeing a number one on the settings icon, like it was an update in waiting. I reluctantly answered, “I think so…” He called me by my first name in a maternal way, gently scolding me for neglecting the updates. And then he challenged me and drew the parallel asking “Have you ever had the same reoccurring thought all day? The kind that just lingers and you can’t get it out of your head?” Yes, I had to confess, I have. Then he continued, “It wears you out, doesn’t it?” I nod in agreement. If he only knew… “Yes, it most certainly does.” He then said that our phones are the same way– they get worn out from ruminating on the same app just like we do! I’m not sure it was depressed, but certainly sluggish and run down. But what was the fatal demise of my phone was that it couldn’t recharge. Again, I found myself relating. God was using my critically ill cell phone to remind me of the importance of staying plugged into the power source and being intentional about recharging. When I neglect to this all important step in my day – it’s as though my battery is faltering and my life cycle comes to a screeching halt. Oh, that I would glean the lesson from my phone! That I need to be plugged in to the great power source with great frequency in order to operate at optimal levels when my batteries are fully recharged. That there are updates from God for me waiting to be downloaded. I just need to take the time to receive them.
How do you recharge? Do you plug in multiple times a day to ensure your operating at 100% battery life or do you allow your batteries to operate in the empty red zone? It’s a choice. Let’s be intentional about recharging together.
For me, I’ve learned, it’s a combination of getting enough sleep, eating the right kinds of foods to help me refuel, exercising my body and pushing myself to keep gaining strength instead of losing it and also exercising my mind by reading – both scriptures as well as inspiring, challenging words from good writers. And spending time alone with God in prayer, study and worship. Allowing Him to replay the previous day – learning from the growth opportunities and praising him for that which went well. I’ve also found I need to carve out time to be creative and play more. Life spent with all work and no play is extremely draining. And finding the balance of protecting my alone time as well as being open to sharing time with others – my husband, our family, friends and meeting and making new friends and also serving others. Although sometimes I view this last one as something that might drain my battery power – pouring myself out in service to others can actually help me feel recharged – if operating in my areas of giftedness.
It’s time to plug in.
