The master switch

“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”
 —Proverbs 3:6

“Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.”
 —Matthew 6:33

“Put God first in everything you do.”
 —Denzel Washington

I had an early morning flight. After arriving, I traveled to the hotel. Upon checking in, the hotel clerk welcomed me, gave me my key, and shared some additional information. To be honest, I was so tired that I tuned out the rest of her message.

I was tired.

I walked into my room with my luggage and set it near the window.

Then I flipped the light switch.

Nothing happened.

I tried another lamp.

Nothing.

I went through the room flipping switches, but there was no power.

Ugh.

I took my luggage and went back to the front desk. I needed a new room.

Me: I think something is wrong. The lights aren’t working. I am turning on all the switches, and nothing is happening. There’s no light.

Front Desk: Ms. Spencer, did you turn on the master switch?

Me: The master switch?

Front Desk: Yes. Remember I told you about the master switch when you checked in?

Me: Hmmmmm. I am sorry. I was so tired that after you gave me my hotel room key, I tuned out the rest of what you said.

Front Desk (laughing): It’s okay. It happens all the time.

Front Desk: Yes, it is the first switch, and it’s positioned right by the door as you enter. Once you turn on the master switch, the in-room lighting will be activated. The room’s lighting system is controlled by the master switch.

Me: I’m so embarrassed. I can’t believe I walked right by it.

I dragged my luggage back to the room. As soon as I opened the door, I stepped inside and stopped.

There it was.

I had literally been so distracted that I walked right past it.

Beside the switch was a sign:

The master switch must be on before all the other lights will work.

Guess what happened?

I turned on the master switch, and the room was flooded with light.

Then it hit me.

I had carried all my baggage into the room and walked right past the one switch that activated everything else. Instead, I immediately started trying to make things work — turning switches on and off, but there was no power.

Have you ever had days when you forgot to activate the master switch?

We wake up and open the door to a new day, and immediately we rush into it, responding to calls, text messages, emails, and family members. Before we know it, the day has gone by in a blur. We’re busy doing everything, yet it feels like we’re accomplishing nothing.

Finally, we stop and think, “I think something’s wrong.”

And the answer comes in a variety of ways — through a song, a statement, or even in the stillness:

Did you activate the master switch?

Sometimes it means stopping what we’re doing and starting our day over. We pause, go back, and begin our day again — even if it is already afternoon.

As soon as the door opens to a new morning, take time to breathe. Take time to pray, sip that cup of coffee or tea, meditate, take a few deep breaths, silence your phone, read a short devotional, or listen to that playlist.

As we reconnect with God, our inner spirit begins to light up.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe we walked right past the Master’s presence that was ready to guide us all along.

I’ve been thinking a lot about intentionally beginning my day by centering and connecting with God. It seems fitting that this master switch reminder came during this season.

We are entering the fall season. Classes have started, the weather is changing, and soon we will enter the busy holiday season.

But before you let this month pass by, take time to connect with Jesus first.

I remember seeing a statement about three morning commitments that have stayed with me:

Scripture before screens.
Meditation before media.
Prayer before posts.

This is activating the master switch.

The reminder is simple:

To stop.

To slow down.

To make sure I turn on the Master Switch before my day truly begins.

Connect with the Master Switch.

Let the light flood your spirit.

Power Activated,

Sheila P. Spencer

SHEILA P. SPENCER

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Rev. Sheila P. Spencer is an educator, minister, storyteller and writer. Stay connected to her at www.sheilapspencer.com and custommadeinspiration@gmail.com.

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