I have a love/hate relationship with my computer; mostly hate.

I've become more aware of my computer's diabolical nature over the course of time.  This ludicrous laptop finds joy in pushing MY buttons (Hey, that's my job).  Still, as life's hardships are the best teachers, many life-important lessons have been reinforced through my connection with my computer.

Things I've Learned from my Computer

It is more by our own paranoia that we are soul injured than by the intentions of others.  The computer, and people in general typically do not set out to hurt or frustrate us.

Patience is a virtue.

The computer, like us, will hold on to meaningless information and "lose" vital messages to the great abyss.

When the computer is working slowly, purpose is not necessarily reduced.  Great purpose is often achieved in simply being forced to  slow down.

Save what's important.

There is " a time to weep and a time to laugh". We treasure touching stories and priceless pictures with which we're face to face.  Thank your computer screen for graciously sharing.

With Google we learn" there's a time to search and a time to give up" (though the "time to give up signal" is often ignored followed by another hour of searching).

Like most tools, the computer can be used to build or tear down.  The choice is in the hands of the one who works the tool.

Nearness can be achieved by means other than physical geography.

It's foolish to expect all response to be immediate.

With computers and humans, sometimes no response IS the response.  Accept it. Thank goodness this isn't so with God.

Not all information is necessary.

Not all information is edifying.

Overload will inevitably cause a "slow down" if not a crash.

No matter how hard you push buttons, if it's not working, it's not working.

Sometimes you need to walk away.

The same rule applies to the amount of TIMES you push the buttons. If it's not working, learn to walk away at least for a spell.

Being able to minimize and maximize what's on your screen is necessary.

Your computer can't hear your hisses, groans and urges to "Hurry!"; it only hears the old fingers tapping. If you're not talking in the right manner, you probably won't be heard.  At best you'll be misinterpreted.

And maybe the best lesson?

My frenemy (friend + enemy), the internet, in its limitless bounds taught me this one.

Have purpose,   as distraction will surely invite you on its way.