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Steering is published monthly by Overseas Evangelical Mission, Copyright 1999

MY COMPUTER

I bought a computer recently and my life has been changed a lot.

First, let me tell you why I wanted to learn this new trick, while I am in the age of the "old dog". The reason is because my wrist hurts. In fact, my whole right hand has hurt for a long time; an occupational ailment for writers. Recently, my right wrist hurt so much that I could hardly write Chinese characters. At the same time, my typewriter broke down, so I took it as an omen that I should step forward to accept the new technology.

My son was so excited about my decision to get a computer. Usually when asked to repair or fix something around the house, he makes excuses to delay the job, but getting this computer was different. He bought it and installed it in one weekend. He even moved my desks into a more convenient L-shaped configuration.

My two granddaughters love to nestle in my study all the time. Now, they have even more reason to stay there, as they use my computer for doing their homework as well as for playing games.

My friends were excited too. All of them tried to teach me how to type Chinese characters and helped me to learn which system to use. I could call them anytime and they "remote-teach" me.

The biggest problem I have experienced is with the computer itself. I am not familiar with her temper and she is such a temperamental person. Once she is mad, she just won't function, or she disappears, as if playing hide-and -seek with me. When this happens, I want to yell at her, "Will you please tell me what I did wrong so next time I can avoid making the same mistake?"

Of course, the computer never answers back, so I have to figure out the problem myself. Is this an example of "experience" by which one learns painfully and gradually?

After a whole week's toil, I finally finished a 1200-character Chinese article. I was so happy and so grateful to God for my accomplishment.

I thank God for giving me the ability to learn a new skill in my late years. I also thank God for giving me self-confidence. Before actually using the computer, I had suspected that I couldn't think of the contents of the article and simultaneously think about the system of finding the characters. I tried anyway and now I have self-confidence.

Finally, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to learn this new technology and for all my family members who give me support. They congratulate me and encourage me in my efforts to learn the new technology.

I am happy to report that my wrist no longer hurts; instead my neck hurts! Do you think I should limit my time at the computer?