I like technology. But, I am not one of these guys that has to go and get the newest, latest, greatest phone, watch or computer the day it is released. No, I am the guy that gets the electric gizmo, car, computer or whatever and will stick with it till it breaks or just wears out. I am not afraid of technology, I just don’t have to have everything available to make my life simpler.

And once we have the technology, we get totally dependent on it. Case and point…I got into the pickup Corey has at the conference center and turned the key to start it. The engine bumped and nothing. Duh, have to hold the key to start. Well, all my vehicles at home you turn key and let go…technology does the rest. Wished I could say this was a one time deal, but I do it every time I get in to drive the truck.

This leads me to my next island adventure (oh, and there have been plenty). We go with the kids to Kapolei Wednesday. They are going to take the baby in for wellness checkup and Jill and I are going to put some gas in the car at Costco while they’re at the clinic. It is just down the road from the doctor’s office (1/2 mile). We will pick them up when finished and head to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the day.

We let the kids out at the clinic and head over to Costco and actually find an empty pump… SWEET! We pull up, I shut off the car and start to get out to put in the gas and I get this sick feeling in my gut (this is where technology comes in). “Hey Jill, did the kids give you a key?” “No, why?” “Well, I’m pretty sure the range of having the key near the car to start has exceeded its limits with us here and the kids at the clinic.”

See, the Honda CRV has the remote sensor key to start. Have the key on you inside the car and push the button, car starts. No key, no start. But, I try it anyway and it doesn’t start. Now what? Well, Jill offers to walk to get key at clinic. Nope, not letting you go by yourself in a strange place with a lot of strange people, no way. I can go but then I have to leave you in a strange place, no Bueno. Call Corey. His response was sudden grief. He says he can leave the clinic and bring the key. No, no, you need to stay with Sarah and Koa.

About that time a lady drives up to fill up with gas. She looks nice, doesn’t look like the serial killer type. More of the grandma persuasion actually. Ask her if she can help us with our dilemma. She is more than happy to help us out.

She takes Jill to the clinic. Corey meets her with the key and they head back. She learns Jill’s life story and Jill the lady’s life story. (The lady’s story was quite interesting, but that’s another time.) Matter of fact, she turned out to be a very devoted Christian!

Key on console, foot on brake and push button to start. Vroom, vroom, we are back in business. We head to the clinic to wait for kids and then we are off to the north side of the island to spend the day.

This little adventure made me think about (not technology) our relationship with God. We need Him present with us in life to go through life. Have you ever noticed how much smoother your day goes when you start with a prayer of thanksgiving/ praise? You have that devotional time in the morning, read His Word before leaving the house. You meditate on His Word as you go through the day?

God tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:8). James 4:8 tells us to draw near to God and He will draw near to you! And Hebrews 4:16 tells us to draw near the throne of grace and mercy that we may find help in the time of need. Just like the car has to have the key nearby to start, you need God nearby in your life to function as a believer.

But, there was a second lesson in this adventure. This lesson was the nice lady that took Jill to get the key. The fact that she was an avid believer that helped us in our tough situations has a great meaning. When we forget our key (God), it was another believer that took us to get the key. Other believers can be there to help us find our way back to God (James 5:19-20 or Gal. 6:1 just to name a few).

Now, looking for the spare set of keys Bro. Tim