One Light at a Time · Episode 1 · A reflection by Theodore “Ted” Johnson
Yesterday, I was ready to pull my hair out over technology.
After more than thirty years working in IT, you might think a banking application would be a simple afternoon task. Apparently, technology had other plans.
One problem led to another. Information wouldn’t save. A door would open just far enough to reveal another locked door.
Today, I found myself talking with a support representative named Jacobe.
I told him about my years in IT—and about another recent experience where one wrong selection had taken nearly two weeks to straighten out.
Then I joked that he must be thinking, “This dude has thirty years in IT. I can’t send him away empty-handed!”
We both laughed.
While he worked on the problem, I went back on hold. The music was an upbeat banjo-and-fiddle tune.
And this time, I enjoyed it.
I wasn’t watching every second pass. I wasn’t turning each minute into another reason to be angry. Someone was helping, and I could let him do his work.
I reminded myself of what I believe: God is still in control, even when I can’t see what He’s doing.
I put it this way, with a smile:
“God may be the slowest man I know—but He’s always RIGHT ON TIME.”
The application still took some doing. Jacobe helped resolve a profile issue, another obstacle appeared, and eventually I was able to finish and submit it.
Approval would come later. But I could finally put the forms down.
There was also some confusing information about the opening deposit. I asked if it could be reviewed for the next person who might run into the same problem. He agreed to pass that concern along.
I chose to let go of the negative review I’d been ready to write.
He had worked to help me. I could offer him a little grace too.
What stayed with me was the laugh, the music, and the change in my own outlook while I was still waiting.
Sometimes the answer hasn’t arrived yet, but the encouragement already has.
We can be part of that encouragement for someone else. Give a person time to explain. Thank the one who keeps trying. Find a little room for patience.
Leave One Light On. Let Someone See It.
Received Light. Shared Light.