This blog has been inactive for a while due to some technical
issues. It is good to be back and I have learned that my technical ability has
declined in the last few years. It is amazing how quickly things change.
I have been around computers for almost 30 years. My dad
bought a commodore 64 in the early 80’s and bought an IMB clone pc later that
decade. I spent part of my childhood playing Impossible Mission and Pac Man
while typing the occasional paper. For those of you who did not grow up in the 80’s,
yes, typing a paper was a big deal. I’m surprised that I didn’t get beat up
more as a kid.
I learned how to use pc’s before Windows 3.1 and remember
when Word Perfect was better than Word – the WYSIWYG was way better on Word
Perfect when printing to a dot matrix.
While I was in college in the early 90’s I took computer programming
and worked in the computer lab. During graduate studies I continued working in
computer labs and began doing contract work for computer vendors and NCR. I
installed self checkout systems for places like Wal-Mart and Kmart and printing
systems for Fresenius Medical, Edward Jones, and Kroger Pharmacies. I
occasionally assisted with the installation of Cisco servers for universities
and banks. I was pretty tech savvy.
It has been about 10 years since I did my last computer contract
job. I still have my id badges for different companies and can occasionally hack
a payment kiosk screen at a cash register, which I would never do since I am a
pastor – no matter how bored I get while waiting in a checkout line.
My ministry opportunities have grown to such an extent that
I no longer have time to disassemble pc’s for fun and fortunately do not need
to do contract computer work to supplement my income.
For most of my life I have considered myself to be technologically
knowledgeable until recently. A few months ago I purchased a new computer for my
office. When selecting a new monitor, I had difficulty finding a monitor with a
dvi connector. I went to Staples to see their monitor selection. One of the
store representatives noticed my puzzled look and offered assistance. He
informed me that all new monitors have VGA and HDMI inputs. As he explained the
technology to me he demonstrated how to plug the cables in to the monitor. I
had momentary flashbacks to tech service calls to Dell in the 90’s when the
representative would ask “Are you sure that the computer is plugged in and
turned on?”
Somehow a decade of technology has passed me by. I am sure
that it won’t be long before I will be the old guy telling the young ones how
computers have taken over our world and ruined it – sort of like Impossible
Mission.
Now you can understand why my blog has been down for so
long. My domain name services changed and I didn’t.
As I get older, I am gaining a greater appreciation for older
generations who feel that church has passed them by. Some long for yesterday
when church was simpler. I remember several people who mentored me in ministry
who have since passed away. I have a better understanding of what it feels like
to have a young know-it-all tell me how things should be. I know what it feels
like to have a kid who has never seen a c:/ instruct me on plugging in cables. I
wanted to tell him about the good old days (that is what my blog is for), but I
just smiled and said “thank you.” I remember the wise old mentors who looked at
me when I was younger as I told them how church should be. They gently placed
their hand on my shoulder and said “keep following God.” I thought those words
were affirmations of my great insights. What they really meant was, maybe one
day you will understand. Maybe.
I am learning to better appreciate those who have come
before me on whose shoulders I stand.
From here I can look far into the future with great hope.
And, I am learning how to post a blog again.
Comments