On 4 October 2021, there was a technical flaw that led to disruption of social media platforms: WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram for several houses. People around the world who were dependent on their Smartphone enabled social media communications felt bad and sad. There were different kinds of reactions.
1) Frustration: The hyper-connected youngsters who understood being alive means to be ‘online’ always were shocked, upset, helpless, and puzzled.
2) Anger: Some were angry with various objects, institutions, and governments. First, their anger was against their smartphones. Some even banged their smartphones and broke it. They thought it was not working properly or outdated, perhaps should be replaced. Second, they were angry with the service providers. Their Internet service was considered substandard. Third, they thought the government was trying to control their freedom. For them, all were ‘joy killers.’
3) Cool: Some people felt it was ‘cool.’ Such things should happen once in a while. They could imagine and see how many people would seriously face the situation, while themselves could take on their stride.
4) Stoic: Some were having a fatalistic mindset and accepted this as pain and sorrow but did not express their emotions.
5) Reflect: A few people really considered their situation. “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14) Yes, they were thankful for the tool of communication, but realized that communication was beyond the tools, it is a relationship. It was time to evaluate the relationships with various people. It was time for reality-check of their priorities of relationships and right use of time.
Christian way of life is to consider or reflect or self-evaluate when life is disrupted. Sickness, loss, failure, closed doors, rejection…all draws us closer to God, seeking His will and way. It helps us to reorient our life purposes and gain insights into meaning in life.
Do I make the adversities of life to consider and grow?