Being a music major taking 10 classes plus rehearsals and recitals galore, combined with practice, homework, and study time, teaching lessons, maintaining personal relationships, interning at a church, exercising, and, of course, being a responsible adult with never-ending paperwork, bills, and to-do lists, my life gets ridiculously busy. Like, ridiculously. I know that several of you can understand. We live in a society that is constantly on the go and is moving faster each day. In a world of constant communication via all of our technological "advances" and devices, I sometimes forget where the most important communication should be: with our Creator and Father. I regretfully admit that sometimes I turn on my electronic devices more than I do the prayer line.
A couple of weeks ago, I was still about an hour out coming home from a mini road-trip when my phone died. Terrible timing if something would've happened, but good timing because I was held captive in my car with no phone and no radio. After trying to think through my scrambled thoughts a bit, I decided to just start singing some praises, alone in my car. But then I realized I wasn't alone; the One I was praising was right there with me. It occurred to me that when I get so caught up in today's world, with our day-to-day business and our technology, I do not acknowledge the true magnificence of the Holy Spirit that walks beside me through it all, even when I fail to notice His presence.
Last week I had trouble with my computer and it ended up in the shop at what I thought was the most awful time. You see, I had my first music history test of the semester (which is a grueling big deal) and I needed my computer for looking at my notes, listening to the examples, etc. I also had no idea how to get my computer to and from the shop 45 minutes away (and that's without any traffic) because of my hectic schedule.
*God enters stage right*
He took care of me! He used the people that He has placed in my life to help me get my computer fixed. In the meantime, He reminded me to utilize the library at my school for studying, which actually kept me more focused; I even made a 100% on the test!
At nights without my "sounds of nature" Youtube video to help me fall asleep, I spent more time than usual talking to God instead. I decided to listen more, too, and He sang me to sleep- no joke!
I tell you these two anecdotes to say this: while our technology has many benefits, don't become so dependent on it that it interferes with your quality time with God. Don't forget that God is your friend without Facebook, He follows you without a Twitter, he sees your life without Instagram, He knows your thoughts without Blogspot. ;) While we live our busy lives, don't forget that it is all for His glory and His plan and don't forget that He loves YOU!
Be Still,
Ashley Anne
