First of three parts
Control
AS a keyboard shortcut, CTRL+ALT+DEL can simply trigger a system reset. Programmers back then, and computer users now, have made use of this command whenever a program encounters a coding glitch, or when the entire operating system becomes unresponsive.
Applying CTRL+ALT+DEL in our current reality, it appears that this pandemic is like a computer glitch, which has caused our operating system to “hang.” My friend Kay Abella called this glitch the “Great Interruption” that brought disturbing yet life-changing impact on our lives. This glitch, Kay said, has been teaching us to appreciate the true worth of the things we possess. Fancy cars are not all that impressive with nowhere to go. The “Outfit Of The Day” is pretty much useless with nobody to appreciate it. Money, which supposedly makes the world go round, seems to be insignificant compared to the virus-free air we breathe.
As the global community is on suspended animation, Kay said “it is as if someone pressed a giant pause button on all of us.” My cousin Jing in Camarines Sur said this Great Interruption “has weakened the very fiber of human existence.” Paraphrasing Pope Francis’ message in “Urbi et Orbi”, Jing said that because of mankind’s penchant for hurried and harried life, fundamental things have been forgotten. The “sick” picture of mankind “forever trying to create a meaningful existence in the world charmed by the glitter of material things and captivated by the power of position where people get entangled in the vicious web of greed and apathy” has caused our systems to crash. But, through it all, Pope Francis said that we have a Savior that holds the rudder that can steer our ship out of the stormy sea. Given the opportunity to make a “do over” of our lives, we should consider inviting Him back into our lives, by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL to reassert Control, look for the Alternative, and Delete the unnecessary.
Control (CTRL) is part of human nature since birth. Infants cry to control the response of their parents; toddlers throw a tantrum to get what they want. In response, parents can either relent or resist, depending on their propensity to control or be controlled. Still, there will be some friction between parents and children. In the same vein, most governments worldwide have imposed lockdowns to control the movement of people. But, regardless of regulations and sanctions, there will be people who cannot and will not stay at home—some by necessity, others by willful disobedience. Control is both a desire and a necessity in our lives.
In relation to our invitation to God to come into our lives, CTRL in CTRL+ALT+DEL, to me, is about surrender. Let go and let God, as my Auntie Naomi would always tell me. To me, CTRL means that we seek God’s will and align ourselves with His word. Filipinos, particularly those in government, must make wise decisions by “imploring the aid of Almighty God” as found in our Constitution. To me, CTRL means lots of prayers, as the country’s current leadership has been calling all Filipinos to do. Our omniscient God knows everything about everyone, from eternity past to eternity future and in every part of His dominion. As the future is full of uncertainties, professionally and personally, we may find comfort in His word found in Jeremiah 29:10: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” On top of this promise, we are blessed with the gift of free will. Once we invite God into our lives, we still have choices to make, similar to the options we see when we press CTRL+ALT+DEL on the keyboard.
With much reflection time spent during this lockdown, I am confident that most of us will definitely align our plans and actions with His word as much as possible. Just as Jesus taught the disciples to think and act, we, too, can develop plans based on our understanding of Biblical principles. On a larger scale, I noticed that a multitude of suggested plans have come out as to how governments can manage the lockdown and the economic problems arising therefrom. Seeing the various options, I realized all the more that God is in control of the future. All of us can and should plan for the future, but remember, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
As this quarantine will end, hopefully sooner, our New Normal (Part 2 of this 3-part column), will give us a choice. We can choose Lock, Task Manager, Switch User, Restart, Cancel or Shut Down, the drop down menu in most CTRL+ALT+DEL commands. As Kay said, “let our new-found vision guide us in discerning what is truly valuable in the relationships we keep, activities we engage in, and the information we feed ourselves and share with others.” Kay added, “in the quietness of our isolation, let this time of the Great Interruption do such a work in us that will change us all for the better, in this life and the next.”
CTRL+ALT+DEL is a simple function we see on our computers, which literally helps us to restart, switch user, shut down, or change. Since our personal systems kinda “crashed” by reason of this Covid-19; why not press CTRL+ALT+DEL to improve the quality of our relationships, our level of happiness, our personal needs, and professional goals?
As Kay reminded me to always “rely on God’s unfailing and unchanging love all throughout this very temporary situation,” I recall one of my more recent Bible readings in Psalms 30:5, which says that “…weeping may last for the night but his joy comes in the morning.”
When morning comes, let’s be ready to face the New Normal, the ALT in the CTRL+ALT+DEL so to speak.
(Next week: ALT)
For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.