I work at a university as a Media Technician and during the summer we do our
annual inventory of audio-visual equipment. For the most part, the operation
of the equipment has become more & more automated and much more
sophisticated. So sophisticated ,in fact, that in some cases, broken gear is
surplused instead of repaired because it is more cost effective to replace
an item than repair it.
As we entered the Machine Shop/ Diesel building, the diesel odor made me
think I was on a Navy ship. The light switches on the wall were smudged with
grease, along with the power controls to run the TV/VCR's and CD players in
the rooms. When we had finished, counting and cleaning gear, Rick said, "Hmm
there is supposed to be an Overhead projector somewheres around here". We
went on a treasure hunt looking for the wide-angled overhead. At long last
we came across a table in the far corner of one of the garages that was
laden with automotive manuals, log books, tools and something that looked
like a Big black goose neck sticking out from under some cleaning rags.
I took the rags off of the Overhead projector. It's lenses were covered with
greasy smudges and chalk dust. "Well what do you know, the Inventory number
on that old thing is #1. Whose hand writing is that!" asked Rick. "It's
mine". I said. It was the first overhead projector the college purchased
over 15 years ago. I dusted off the projector, cleaned the fresnel lens with
some cleaner and flipped on the switch. The lamp burned brightly, it's
vitality at peak performance as though it was purchased last week. I put a
spare lamp in the case. Rick said, "This projector should've been surplused
with other old ones". "Why?" I asked. "Just because it's old" he said. "It
doesn't "do" what the new ones can." I argued that it served a purpose here,
that it ran fine & was a simple uncomplicated piece of equipment to use.
Like Moses, this projector's strength never abated, neither did it's eyes
grow dim. I said, "Let's not surplus it just yet". Confused why I would seem
so defensive, Rick shrugged and obliged begrudgingly.
The old projector was a forgotten treasure, serving without complaint,
faithfully doing what it was designed for. Sometimes others may forsake us
in the course of a lifetime and sometimes we may even feel forgotten, but
consistency and perseverance are marks of Christian maturity. Holding on to
God in both good and bad times shows seasoned faith. And as Christians we
are each in God's book of life, never forgotten nor forsaken....nor to be
surplused as unwanted junk because we are too old.
Cdr Jen
OP 207
Glad Tidings Church, Vancouver, WA - USA
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