I am unaware of a single computer that has never had a problem. Eventually they all seem to have hiccups, failures, and general issues that cause us grief. As varied as the problems can be, it seems that every helpful friend, family member, or technician has the same initial question. “Have you rebooted?” Whether or not we know all the ins and outs of technology, there seems to be something about a fresh start that is able to restore it.

Unfortunately, our lives don’t function like computers, and we can’t just hit a switch to reboot or start over. We might wish we could, but it isn’t that easy. Particularly when the same problem has plagued us for years or possibly has been a pattern passed down through the generations of our family, a fresh start can start to seem impossible. We might want to change our ways or want to do things better, but the opportunity never seems to be there for us to take advantage of it.

Perhaps that is the one good thing that can come out of our situation with Covid-19. While this virus has upended the health care system, our jobs, our schools, and our finances, it can be hard to think of anything “good” coming from it. I would certainly never argue that it is good for someone to not be able to work, for a parent to be thrown unexpectedly into the role of educator, or for money to be tight; however, I do believe that there is at least one good that we can make of this situation. It seems that, somewhat like a computer that is plagued with problems, many of us have the unprecedented opportunity for a reboot.

With life completely upended it means that, when we get back to “normalcy”, we don’t have to fall back into the same patterns, mistakes, and habits. We have a chance to start back to life differently than when we left it and maybe even with different priorities.

As the virus has stripped away so much from us, it can leave us questioning, “What do I need to do differently?” Or “What can I now do without?” We have the opening for a simpler life that some have longed for but never been able to attempt as well as a changed life from the habits that are now broken.

As I see it, there is opportunity as we start looking towards getting back to “normal” life. For some this might be an opportunity to spend more intentional time with your family as you have seen the value of family time during stay at home orders. For others this might be a chance to give up a materialistic mindset and pursue things of more lasting value and satisfaction. Still for others this might be the time for you to finally prioritize your faith that always came in second — ending the excuses that led to less Sundays in church and more in bed, less living like you knew you should, and less trust than is deserved for a Savior who died and rose again for you.

What do you want life to look like when this is all over? Are you in need of a reboot? Now is your opportunity for a fresh start.

Pastor’s Podium

The Pastor’s Podium column is offered each week by a different pastor or lay person representing an Ellsworth County church.

The week’s columnist is Zach Ullom, pastor at the First Baptist Church, Lorraine.

I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.

Generation after generation praises your works and proclaims your might. They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty and tell of your wondrous works.

They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds and declare your greatness. They publish the fame of your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your justice.