When 5G Fails
A few weeks ago on a Thursday morning we woke up (thankfully) without our usual alarms. This may not seem like a problem, however, if you are like us and use the google home services to run routines for things like waking the kids up, it is a big problem. Not only do we depend on wifi to run our morning routines (turning lights on, playing alarms, etc.), we also use wifi for many of our daily processes. For instance, our doorbell and thermostat are both connected to our wifi, as well as most of the lights in our home. This seems like a trivial matter, and in the grand scheme of things, it is. However, when we become used to or dependent on a process working consistently, it throws us for a loop when things stop working. This also happened to be a gross weather week with cold temps and snow in April, meaning we were stuck inside. I figured the wireless router needed a simple re-boot and everything would be fixed. Boy, was I wrong!
The 5G Service was out!
Not only did the wifi stop working, but the data services on our cell phones were also not working. We communicate a lot through fb messenger, so that became a problem. Out phones and our router did not automatically cycle down to the next available service, so we were stuck with few communication options to the outside world. We quickly discovered that it was only in our small pocket of our neighborhood that this was the case. As soon as we moved about 2 blocks south of our house everything worked as usual. This revelation made it clear that the issue was with the cell service, not our devices. I eventually found the phone number for tech support. Knowing that services such as this tend to keep us holding for what seems like eternity, I waited to call until I knew our kids would not need me present for a while. I was right. The initial call lasted over an hour, between hold times, transfers, and repair techniques.
The router was re-booted and re-booted to no avail. Over the course of 5 days I received follow up calls from our service provider, checking in to see if the issue was resolved, and assuring me that a service technician would be working on it ASAP. I think my sense of urgency did not match theirs, and I really wish they would just be honest about what is causing the problem instead of pretending like they cannot see any problems and we are the only ones experiencing this. I later became aware that this same thing was affecting our neighbors as I noticed a thread on our community facebook page. We were each given a different story. So frustrating!
I am still unsure what was going on, but our service did eventually return, and all was well again. Thank Goodness!
I liken this experience to prayer. The simple communication center between us and God is faster than any wifi or cellular service will ever be. We have a free, direct, constant communication highway to the one who holds all of the answers. we don't need to depend on tech support when something goes awry. We don't have to wait on hold for hours or days to share our concerns. Sometimes the answer we are waiting for may take longer than we like, but God's timing is always perfect.
The 5G may go out in our lives and cause temporary inconvenience, but I am forever grateful that God will never interrupt our connection to Him. Remember, He loves you! He holds the answers! He holds our future! Let prayer be your default language and watch how that connection with God changes your life!
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
