I spend much of my day typing away on a lovely little Macbook.  It’s dependable and I very rarely get upset with it.  (Don’t try and tell me that you don’t get upset with inanimate objects.)  But lately I’ve found my blood pressure rises in the following situation.

I charge the laptop overnight.  I wake up and the red charging light has turned to a refreshing shade of green.  I unplug the mac and bring him over to the kitchen table.  Over breakfast I catch up on news, blogs, and e-mails for almost an hour.  By the time I’ve finished the charge level has drifted from 100% to somewhere in the 50th or 60^th percentile.  So I take plug the mac back in, pour my coffee and head to “my spot” to have some time in the word.  I return to my computer to start the work day only to discover that instead of increasing in percentage, my power is now listed as “not charging.”  I fumble with the cord only to discover that the charge level reads 21% and falling.  At this point I begin my friendly yelling match.

What’s the problem?  In my rush to move from activity to activity in the morning I fail (on numerous occasions) to take the time to make sure my computer is actually connected to the power source.  It’s not enough for the charge cord to just be touching my computer, it needs to be properly and directed connected in order for any improved power levels.

It’s the same with our relationships.  I know that I can speak from experience when I say that too often I fly through re-energizing with the Lord and find myself falling flat.  Crisis comes and I recognize that I have once again made God my roof rather than the foundation of my life.  I talk a good game.  I read blogs and share verses right and left – but I forget to make sure that I’m actually connected to the main source.  I know when I’m chasing other things to fill me up.  I may not admit it to myself in the moment, but my journals are full of laments from the last decade where I say, “Lord, why am I so far from you?  Why have I stayed away from your word?  Why am I avoiding the very thing that I need so desperately?”

The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty,
come and drink.
Those of you who do not have money,
come, buy and eat!
Come buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend your money on something that is not real food?
Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you?
Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good;
your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.”  Isaiah 55:1-2, NCV

It’s true – you and I were designed to do extraordinary things… but not in our own strength.  If you find yourself running out of energy and unable to make it through the day, might I suggest something stronger then caffeine?  If your connection is loose everything else will be out of order: your emotions, your relationships, your priorities.

When was the last time that you drank deeply from the Living Water?  

My laptop is only useful to me when it has the power to run all of the programs I need.  Without the power, it’s just an empty shell.

Following,
Ginger