AlexSandra Lett "Lett's Set a Spell"

Lett’s Sett a Spell: Computer Crash Reflects Need to Upgrade Me

Like most writers I must honor my calling, and I have a preferred way of getting those words on the page. Recently my favorite tool for creative expression came to a halt when my 1995 Macintosh computer crashed. The monitor started flashing a question mark, and the driving force of my career would not respond to my commands. I called an expert who said the machine’s computing system was no longer talking to my software, so probably my hard drive had died.

When taking my Mac to a repair shop, I learned the hard drive containing a lot of intellectual property could not be revived, but I purchased a newer Central Processing Unit (CPU) featuring a hard drive and memory plus a CD-ROM port that would allow me to update my software. Arriving home I connected the new with the old and discovered my outdated Microsoft Word program could not be installed, so therefore I could not access the information stored on diskettes. After more computer advice I picked up a CD-ROM version of my Word program, but didn’t have enough memory on my new CPU to install it.

First my hardware crash showed me that I must upgrade my technology and now the software problem revealed that I need to advance my computer equipment even more. Was this computer crisis a metaphor for my life?

This frustrating and exhausting challenge reminded me that we have our own hardware— our body and its operating system—that we must maintain and update to assure proper functioning. Just as my computer has software programs that allow it to process information, we have minds that need the body to be healthy and productive. A computer and a human being must have another component to rise to its potential: our brains. Each time I come to the computer to write, I bring a deep desire to express my creativity and to serve others through my expression. Computers need hardware, software, and human beings. People need the body, the mind, and the spirit.

Perhaps I had to sacrifice the hardware on my computer to know that it is time to release the cocoon that stifles my growth as a person and as a writer. God has been nudging me to write a new book focused on spirituality and I have been resisting because I didn’t want to work more hours. After being away from the creative process for several days now I am excited about accepting this new mission. With my computer I accept the challenge of writing that new book about the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. Just as the old computer system has been thrown away my cocoon has been released, and I am ready to let go and let God, and soar to greater heights!