Security is a feeling

Security is a feeling. I have been saying these words for years in computer maintenance and security classes where I encourage people to put antivirus software on their computers. I also make a point of clarifying that the antivirus protection is responsive, not preventative because the threat has to exist to be cleaned and have made its way onto the computer before it can be removed.

In much the same way we protect our homes and businesses with security measures such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, camera surveillance, and security alarms. The problem with each of these is that again the threat to our security has to be present and the systems do not actually prevent their occurance, but rather make us aware of them when they do occur. However, each are designed to make us feel comfort that the threat will be identified and can therefore be corrected before they actually cause us harm.

That comfort is our security and a lack of security is stress. I was reminded tonight of how much security is simply a feeling as I tried again to get my four month old son to sleep in his crib, on his own, so that hopefully soon Crissy and I can return to our bed from the sectional in our living room that has served our sleeping needs since before he was born.

As I lay Noah in his crib tonight he began to cry but took comfort and security in holding my hand. As he drifted further toward sleep he slowly released his grip on my fingers, but would in a startled reaction to his progress reach out for me in fear satisfied each time he was able to feel my hand or arm against his fingers. This process went on for over fifteen minutes with an intense grip on my hand or arm followed by a slow release as he fell further asleep to a startled reach and grab just to be sure that I was still there.

At four months old he is unable to find security in all the precautions we have taken to make sure his environment is safe and that we can respond to potential threats to that safe environment so those security measures, we as adults use to feel a sense of comfort, mean nothing to him and yet he is able to feel secure. The reason, security is a feeling.

Too often we are faced with fear, discomfort, confusion, and stress usually tied to the concern of losing something or someone in our lives, be it a job, a friend, a spouse, a family member, or something else we hold dear in our lives. I am thankful that I can find security in my family and friends and my Lord Jesus Christ to know that regardless of the things in my life that may be lost those that mean the most to me will always be there. I am further joyed by the fact that I can serve as a source of comfort and security to others in my life, especially my son.

It is my wish for you that wherever you are in your life you are able to find a stable source of personal security that is ever present, unchanging and effective at preventing stress and concern rather than simply responsive to threats that have already come into existence.

God Bless,
Eric

A Place to Start

After teaching a great class last night on becoming an active participant in the social networking scene and discussing blogs as part of the conversation, I thought it was time for me to "practice a little of what I preach" and set up a blog or two to share a little of me with the world. As it turned out, I started three today.

The other two can be found at http://alifetothefullest.blogspot.com/ and http://nothingleftuntried.blogspot.com/ for those of you interested in checking out all three. While the other two will have a defined theme to the posts as established in my first post on each, this one will not. Instead, this blog will contain raw thought, emotion, and other things on my mind as frequently as I feel the call to share them with you. Please feel free to share your reactions, comments, and thoughts on my posts and follow the blog if you desire.

I am excited to embark on this journey. Come along if you wish.

~Eric