Okay, here’s my problem. For the past couple of weeks, my TV has pushed me to the edge of irreversible insanity. It’s a wifi problem. The wireless signal is not strong enough, so that means every three minutes the picture freezes, a little round thing in the middle of the screen spins and spins, and I go take another blood pressure pill hoping that all will be fine by the time I come back to the sofa. It’s not. If only I could boost the signal strength, then maybe I could watch the Bowl Games and the NFL Playoffs, and the Australian Open tennis tournament in peace. A weak signal produces a weak picture, or no picture at all.
Okay, here comes the metaphor. You knew there was one, didn’t you? No wonder faith seems so weak sometimes. No wonder worship feels dry sometimes. No surprise that prayer sounds and feels hollow sometimes. It’s the strength of the signal. What have I done, or not done, that causes the signal to grow weak? One answer is that I’ve become a “part-time” Christian, a “I’ve got more important things to do” Christian, or a “things are going pretty good right now so I don’t need to pray” Christian. And every time I put on one of those hats, I diminish the strength of the signal from Christ. And my spirit suffers.
I can work toward fixing both of those weak signals. I can prioritize my daily faith practices and be consistent in all the faith-strengthening practices. And, I can call a technician and talk about ways to strengthen that wireless signal. Anything spinning around in your life right now that needs attention? And, lastly but of personal importance, anybody know the time of the next NFL football game?
Shining Spirit 
Dear Roger,
I know I should have taken a moment many times to thank you for all your wonderful messages. I have no excuse. But you should know I have two and a half notebooks full of copies of your thoughts – every one a keeper. You always seem to know exactly what I need to hear.
Keep on being “the Shining Spirit” in so many lives. Bless your generous heart.
Marilynn Bradley