Repent and Be Cleansed
Repent and Be Cleansed
A certain electronic gadget in my life decided to repent of its circuitry sins and undergo baptism. I did not demand such repentance nor encourage such baptism. It underwent the procedure without my knowledge and consent. Unfortunately, until someone invents a flux capacitor and makes a real time machine, I cannot go back in time to discourage this ill-advised response.
Repent and Be Cleansed
A certain electronic gadget in my life decided to repent of its circuitry sins and undergo baptism. I did not demand such repentance nor encourage such baptism. It underwent the procedure without my knowledge and consent. Unfortunately, until someone invents a flux capacitor and makes a real time machine, I cannot go back in time to discourage this ill-advised response.
Yet, despite any lack of encouragement on my part, it chose to smuggle itself in a large-pocketed garment to avoid detection. In hindsight, I could almost hear an electronic chortle as it was lowered into the washing machine.
It was not until the end of the wash cycle that I discovered it, lying on top of the laundry. I immediately arranged an initial confession intervention with a bag of desiccant packets (Fact: These are more absorbent than grains of rice.). The watery convert refused to recant. Some of you may be tempted to cheer on its resolve. (Encouraging the electronic “Martin Luther” to continue his refusal to perform in accordance with expectations is ill-advised.).
At present, the circuitous heretic is in solitary confinement in hopes that it may yet come to full repentance and confession. All it has to do is to beep out ‘Revoco’ (“I revoke”) and its ordeal will end; I’ll even accept a clear demonstration of the ability to power up, power down and properly execute all basic voice and textual functions in lieu of the classic pronouncement of renunciation of one’s former beliefs. (Aren’t I generous?)
At this time, it is not known whether removal from solitary confinement will result in great rejoicing or a quiet memorial service. But no matter what happens, I am thankful.
I am thankful to have owned that device for three years. I am thankful for the opportunity to rediscover what it is like, as an adult, not to have a portable electronic means of communication constantly on my person or among my belongings. I am thankful for the opportunities I have gained to show resourcefulness and to accommodate its absence. I am thankful that it allowed me to not have a constant means of distraction, and gave me an opportunity to refocus my attention.
I am thankful because I know God is in control, and if He desires to restore it fully, He will do so, and if He desires to refrain from restoring it as a consequence of my carelessness, He will refrain. This Thanksgiving, I choose to be thankful and to praise God. No matter what the outcome, may He be glorified. Like the Psalmist of Psalm 136, I say “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loyal love endures.”
