Yesterday I was checking the library website to see if some books I need are available. The FSU library has a neat feature that enables you, instead of writing the title and call number of a book down, to have it sent to you via text message or email.
Enamored with with this new technology, as one who was originally taught how to do library searches in high school using the the card catalogue, I had each book’s title and call number texted to my wife’s cell phone. (She had agreed to pick up the books for me on her next trip to the FSU campus.)
However, about an hour after having the text messages sent using the library website tool, (or so I thought) she asks me, “Was there a delay on that text message system from the library?” From past usage of this service I knew that the answer to her question was no. It should have sent immediately. So I felt frustration rising, knowing that I was going to have to look the books up all over again, and this time manually write down the call numbers. My tone of voice changed, and I said, “Why is it that just when you start to rely on some sort of technology, that it fails you?” By this point I had hurriedly begun re-searching for the books, anxious just to have it done, since I felt like having to look for it again was a complete waste of time.
Katie, maintaining her cool, and trying to calm me down said from the other room “It’s a good thing technology isn’t your God.” Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I was still basically just wanting to be mad at this system failing. But she had made a great point. It really is a good thing that technology isn’t my God. As much as it can be helpful, sometimes it is just plain unreliable.
I’m glad I serve a God who is unfailing and ever faithful. Thanks to my wife for helping me to see God in the midst of my annoyance.