Writing about things that matter (to me)
I had the privilege of speaking at my church's midweek service this week, and I shared about the importance of treating other people the way Jesus did. Public speaking is not my strength by a long shot. I'm much more comfortable behind a keyboard than behind a pulpit. But I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak into this moment, and if you'd like to take the time to give it a watch, I would be honored.
Yesterday marked one year since Winter joined the family. On May 25, 2019, Katherine and I got together at the park with one of my high school friends to meet a dog she had posted online. We’d been talking about adopting for a while; we’d even bought all the supplies and met a few candidates, but we hadn’t found the right match. That is, until we met Winter.
From my very first interaction with her, I knew that Winter was the one. She was so friendly and sweet, but not overly excited or jumpy—the energy of a puppy with the restraint of a mature dog. Our lifestyle is pretty laid back (read: lazy) at home, so we knew we’d need a dog who could just chill out with us. But we also needed a pet who was agreeable since we knew that children were somewhere down the road for us. Winter checked all of those boxes.
Someone loves to lounge outside when the weather is nice.
But it wasn’t so much a checklist that let me know that she was the dog for us. It was that instant feeling of connection when I first met her. Besides my childhood dog Wrinkles, I’ve never bonded emotionally with a pet before. I’m just not the kind of person to click instantly with most animals. But when I first met Winter, I felt something, and that told me this one was special.
Katherine is a lot more comfortable and in tune with animals than I am, so she connects with them instantly. If she’d had her way, we probably would have adopted every dog we met during the process. But she was very patient with me and my process of finding a dog I felt comfortable bringing into our home. I’m still really grateful for that.
The moment Katherine knew that something was different between me and this dog was when Winter licked my face and I didn’t freak out. I’ve never been a fan of dogs licking me, especially in my face, so when we would meet one who did that, I would be immediately put off. But because I felt an emotional connection with Winter, it didn’t bother me so much, and that indicated to Katherine that something was different.
We went through the formalities: asked about Winter’s health record, made sure she was up to date on shots, found out about her habits at home. And then I turned to Katherine and said, “Do you want to take her home?” Now, our plan was to meet Winter, go home and discuss it, and move forward from there. But I had already made up my mind: I wanted Winter to be a part of our family. Even though Katherine was shocked at my question, she agreed that Winter was the one, so we took her home right then and there.
Less than a week after we brought her home, Winter was already pretty well settled in. I told you she fits into our lazy lifestyle.
And ever since she walked through our door, Winter has made this place her home. She’s napped in every corner and on every cushion. She can navigate our neighborhood walks like they’re second nature. And she’s covered every inch of this place in her white fur to the point that nobody could visit us and not know that a dog lives here. Not long after she moved in, I turned to Katherine and observed, “We officially live in a dog house now.”
Even though I knew Winter was the right pet for us, I had some concerns about bringing a dog into the house. Some of them turned out to be founded, but most of them weren’t. We lost a throw rug to an accident when she was first getting familiar with the house. We have to clean more often and more diligently to keep up with the shedding. Our schedules have had to adjust to ensure that Winter gets the care and attention that she needs.
But those are really just minor inconveniences in comparison to the joy that she brings to our home. My big, serious fears turned out to be completely unrealistic. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be good at taking care of a pet, that my wife would end up picking up all of my slack. I was afraid that I wouldn’t have the patience necessary to care for Winter and deal with all that having a pet entails. I was afraid that my initial connection with her would be as deep as our relationship went, that I wouldn’t grow to love her and she wouldn’t grow to love me.
Of course, all of these concerns seem ridiculous now. But at the time, they were very real, and navigating them was a bit of an emotional roller coaster as we prepared to adopt. Once Winter was here, though, that all went out the door.
Our first Christmas photo with Winter. ☺️
The truth is that she’s given us so much more than we could ever possibly give her. Even just her presence is a gift of comfort that I can’t imagine living without now. She’s taught us so much: what it’s like to be loved by someone so much that they can’t stand not being in the same room with you, how to take care of someone who depends on you, and the importance of making sacrifices for the ones you love. And we’ve created so many precious memories together that we’re going to hold on to for a lifetime.
Bringing Winter into our home was a completely natural and comfortable transition. It’s exactly what we were supposed to do.
Like any major relationship in one’s life, our bond with Winter seems both older and newer than it really is. One the one hand, it feels like it was just yesterday that we brought her home. But at the same time, we can’t imagine (or even fully remember) life without her. She’s such an integral part of our home and family now, and we are so grateful that she is.
Our first year having Winter as part of the family has been great, and we are looking forward to many, many more years with her. Happy gotcha day, Winter! We love you.
The past couple of months, I’ve been spending more time with my iPad than ever. (This says a lot given how much time I spent on it before). Between graphic design, social media management, and the sheer amount of video production I’ve been doing for the church, my iPad Pro and I have been through a lot together lately. And it’s kept up with me every step of the way, which has got me reflecting a lot about why I love this device so much and why I wish more people I know would give it a try.
Friends come to me all the time asking my advice on which computer they should buy for school, home, or work. I always answer with a series of questions in order to make a good suggestion. Lately, I’ve started by asking the question, “Would you consider an iPad?” Usually the response is, “I hadn’t really thought of that,” and then we move on. But I always ask because I believe that for a lot of people, the iPad really is the best solution for their computing needs.
I’ve found that to be true in my case. Sure, I use a lot of Macs and even a few Windows desktops in my work, but I spend the vast majority of my computing time—and almost all of my creative energy—on my iPad Pro, and that’s coming from a techie. If the iPad can be enough computer for me and my fairly complicated needs, it’s more than enough for most people… so long as they’re willing to give it a chance.
This is my love letter to the iPad: a list of reasons I love it so much and why I think you should consider giving it a try.
When most people think of the iPad, they still think of it the way it was originally conceived all the way back in 2010. Then, it was thought of as pretty much a blown-up iPhone. It did a lot of the same things your phone did, just on a bigger screen. It was considered great for web browsing, email, watching videos, and playing games, but not for much else. You certainly wouldn’t try to do the same things on it that you do on your laptop or desktop computer. It was a cool, fun device, but not all that practical for most people most of the time.
But let’s think about this for a second: What are the tasks most people use their computers for most of the time? It’s the things I listed above: web browsing, email, videos, and the like. For these tasks, there is no better computer than the iPad. It’s so intuitive that even someone who’s never used a computer before can pick it up and figure it out almost instantly. You can use it anywhere you like, including your couch. And it can handle the basic computing needs of everyday people quickly and smoothly with no issues whatsoever.
Hands down, the iPad is the best device to meet your basic computing needs. But that’s not all.
Because the iPad has also come a long way in ten years. Not only does it look a lot different than it did back then, but it’s become even more equipped to handle more tasks over time. As I said before, I use my iPad to edit videos for my church. If you happened to see one of our services when we were online-only, it was edited on my iPad, as were the graphics promoting it. I can manage files on my iPad, collaborate with others, and even edit websites on this thing.
Through a combination of software improvements and huge leaps in Apple’s skill at creating computer chips, the iPad has grown from a casual browsing device to a versatile powerhouse. In terms of computer performance, the iPad even rivals some of Apple’s own laptops. It’s simply powerful, and more than enough computer for the average user.
When we talk about the iPad, we’re not referring to just one device, but rather to an entire line of computers that can be configured to fit each person’s needs. It started as one tablet ten years go. But over time, it’s grown to become both more accessible to everyday users and more powerful for pros who need to push the limits. Here’s what the iPad lineup looks like right now:
At the low end, you have the iPad. This is the seventh version of the original that started it all. The screen has gotten ever-so-slightly bigger over time (10.2“ instead of 9.7”), but it’s still just as easy to hold in your hands. At $329 (and often on sale at $250), this thing is a steal. It doesn’t have all the latest cutting-edge technology, but it runs apps like email, Photos, Word, and FaceTime smoothly and streams video like a breeze. This iPad will meet most people’s needs without costing them a ton of money and frustration. I use several of these iPads at work for basic tasks, and I can’t recommend them enough.
One step up from the regular iPad is the iPad Air. This model is a little bit bigger with its 10.5” screen, but what really sets it apart is its adoption of newer technologies like a laminated screen and the A12 Bionic chip. If those specs don’t mean anything to you, then you probably don’t need to look at the iPad Air. But if you’re wanting an iPad that can handle a little more than the basics, the iPad Air is worth considering at $500.
If you’re looking for something smaller, there’s the iPad Mini. It’s got all the same technology as the Air, but in a 7.9” screen and with a cheaper price tag at $400. I personally love the size of the Mini because it’s so easy to take anywhere, and you can even type on it comfortably like a phone. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a computer that’s compact but can still pack a punch.
And for those who want to use the iPad for really intensive tasks like photo and video editing, Apple offers the high-end iPad Pro. It comes in two sizes, 11” and 13”, and it has all the latest technology: the cutting-edge processor, facial recognition for unlocking the device, a USB-C port, support for all the newest accessories, and more. Those features come at a price, with the iPad Pro starting at $800. But for those who need the raw power, the cost is well worth it. I use my 11” iPad Pro every day, and it is a beast. Not only is it the most beautiful computer I’ve ever owned; it’s the most well-fitted to meet my computing needs. If you’re a creative type like me, this device is worth a look.
Apple’s website includes a handy iPad comparison page if you’re not sure which model is right for you. And of course, you could always ask your friendly neighborhood tech guy!
Every iPad comes with some basics: the latest version of the iPadOS operating system with years of security and feature updates to come, biometric unlocking (either through your fingerprint or facial scan, depending on the model), all-day battery life, front and back cameras, a microphone, and side speakers. The screen resolutions vary, but they’re all HD and pleasing to the eyes. And they’re all touchscreens with support for multiple finger gestures for easy navigation.
Each of these comes with a variety of storage size options. If you have a large photo library or know you’ll want to download a lot of games or movies, you can pay a little more to get extra storage. But if you don’t think you’ll need all that space, you can save some money and go for the basic storage option. It’s completely up to you and your needs.
Also, each iPad comes in a cellular version, so that if you don’t have Wifi at home or plan to use your device when you’re on the go, you can tie the iPad to your cellular plan and use mobile data just like on your phone. Of course, the cellular option does come with additional costs. But if you want your computer to be truly mobile, that’s an option you have.
I challenge you to find any other line of computers with such a clear array options and such a wide range of price points. There truly is an iPad for everyone, each of them beautifully designed, easy to use, and perfectly suited for the task at hand.
My experience working on the iPad so intensely over the past couple of months has really made me think about the concept of the iPad as a modular computer. At its core, the iPad is and always will be a touchscreen tablet. That’s the device’s identity. But one of the most amazing features of the iPad is that, through accessories, you can turn it into any kind of computer you want. These are just a few of the different modes I use my iPad in:
The Magic Keyboard case is the best way to turn an iPad Pro into a laptop, but there are a variety of keyboard case options with and without trackpads.
The most basic, of course, is tablet mode for reading books, catching up on social media, and watching videos. If I want to use the device more like a notebook, I can pick up my Apple Pencil stylus and just start writing, drawing, or marking up documents and photos for editing. This mode is natural and fun, and it’s supported right out of the box.
Then there’s laptop mode, which is the one I use the most. I carry my iPad in a Magic Keyboard case, which allows me to unfold it like a laptop for typing and control it with the trackpad. Of course, I can always reach up and touch the screen if I want to. And I can yank the iPad out of its case at any time to switch to tablet mode. But when it comes to writing and editing, nothing beats my iPad in laptop mode.
The UltraFine 4K monitor combined with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad make for a great desktop iPad setup.
When I’m in my office at work, I plug my iPad into an external display and use it in desktop mode. The device can connect to keyboards and mice over Bluetooth or wired connection, which means you can use your favorite computer accessories with it. Having my iPad on a bigger screen is great when I’m editing videos and want to see every detail.
And whenever I want to video chat with family or need to jump on a Zoom call, I use stand mode, which elevates the screen to eye level when I’m sitting. This makes video calls much more natural. And when I’m editing a video at home, I can put my iPad in the stand and use a Bluetooth trackpad to edit, which relieves the neck strain that can come from looking down at a laptop.
I love my AboveTek stand for video calls and editing video at home.
Every iPad is fully capable of being used in any of these modes. Apple sells Pencils and keyboard cases for every model, or you can bring your own favorite accessories and connect them with ease. If you like to play games on your iPad, you can use most any Bluetooth controller, including Xbox and PlayStation controllers. If you like listening to music loud, the iPad will play to your favorite wireless speakers. Or you can use the iPad to project your favorite videos onto your AirPlay TV.
There are a million different configurations that the iPad can be used in, and it’s all up to you to decide which are your favorite. Laptops and desktops are great, but they don’t offer the flexibility and mobility that the iPad does. No other computer can fit into so many different contexts and use cases, and that makes the iPad the ultimate modular computer.
If you use an iPhone or a Mac, you already know how enjoyable Apple’s software is to use. No operating system is perfect, but I believe iPadOS is the perfect balance of power and usability. You can customize it and make it your own, but you can also trust that when you need it, it will just work.
One of the things I love most about my iPad is the way it plays so well with my other devices. It syncs messages and photos to and from my phone so I know that no matter which one I’m using, I’ll always have all of my data. If I need to transfer a file to my Mac at work, I can use AirDrop to send it quickly and wirelessly. And if I need to adjust the lights or temperature when I’m working at home, all of my HomeKit devices are just a couple of taps away.
There are a million different little reasons why the Apple ecosystem is so convenient and nice. I don’t have the space to list them all here. But I’ll say this: If you have a iPhone and are looking for a computer, give the iPad a try for a couple of days. (Return policies are very generous if it doesn’t work out!) You’ll be amazed at all the small, seamless ways that using both in conjunction can make your life easier.
All of that being said, I understand that the iPad still isn’t the perfect device for everyone. Some people are really comfortable with more traditional computer systems. Some require software that still hasn’t made its way to the iPad yet (though those gaps are few and far between, and shrinking every day). Others just can’t fathom the idea of a tablet as their main computer. I get it.
My wife is one of those people. When she and I got together, she had a Samsung phone and an HP laptop. Before long, she sold the laptop and switched to iPhone, so I was sure that I was on track to making her an iPad fan like me. I gave her my iPad Mini to use for watching videos and some basic word processing at her job, but every time, she either used her phone to get the work done or borrowed my old MacBook Pro. Finally, I resigned myself to the fact that she wasn’t an iPad person, and we bought her a MacBook Air when they did the latest refresh. Now there’s a Mac in my house. 😬
However, I still believe that there a lot of people for whom the iPad would be the perfect computer if they’d just give it a shot. I shudder to think about the number of sub-par Windows laptops sold at Best Buy and Walmart to unsuspecting consumers every single day. They’re cheap, they’re slow, and they won’t last long. For the same price, these people could be investing in a tablet that will fulfill all their computing needs, last longer, and offer them a better experience overall.
Even if you purchase a keyboard case to turn the device into a laptop, the iPad is still priced competitively with these low-budget computers that cannot offer the same power or smooth performance. Believe me when I say I’ve tried a lot of computers, and I’d take an entry-level iPad over just about any laptop out there that costs less than $1,000.
The iPad is a powerful, intuitive computer that’s constantly evolving and evoking delight in those who use it. It’s available at a wide range of configurations and price points, and it can be turned into any kind of computer you want it to be. Whether you’re checking social media on your couch, writing the latest research paper at the library, crunching numbers at the office, or embarking on your next big creative endeavor at the coffee shop, there’s an iPad that’s perfectly suited for you.
There’s no computer on the planet that packs so much simplicity, power, and versatility into such beautiful and portable package. That’s why I love the iPad. That’s why I tell everyone I know to at least consider getting an iPad, and that’s why I hope you’ll think about giving the device a try, too.
Did you enjoy my write-up on why I think the iPad is for everyone? Thanks so much for reading it! I’d love to hear your thoughts, whether they be about my article or your own experience with the iPad. And if you have any questions about what the device can do or which model might be right for you, I’d be happy to answer you in the comments below or on social media.
Thanks again for reading this article! I had a lot of fun putting it together, and I hope you liked reading it, too. See you next week for something different!
I’m so afraid.
Is that the light at the far end of the tunnel
or just a train?
That’s a quote from the Owl City song “Tidal Wave,” and it pretty well sums up where I’m at right now.
My home state of Arkansas is starting to open back up. We’re not the first in line, but we’re certainly one of the earliest to do so. Starting this week, people are going to be dining in at restaurants again. We had church in person this past Sunday (including lots of jokes about how goofy our masks looked). We are all beyond ready to get back to normal.
I have to admit that being around people again felt good. It left we wishing we could be together all the time, like before. I’m not immune to letting my emotional need for connection overcome my better judgment. I want this to end, too.
But that’s the problem: It’s not over. And giving in to the (understandable) temptation to act like it is won’t change that. In fact, it has the potential to make things much worse and undo the many weeks of sacrifice that have already been made.
We can’t afford that.
I told myself that I was going to get back to my regular writing schedule this week. I wanted to give you something more akin to my usual writing. “Enough is enough,” I said. “It’s time to get over it.”
But I’m not over it. Because it’s not over. There’s still an underlying sense of dread that washes over me every time I go into a public place. Katherine is back at her job teaching preschoolers as I’m typing this, and the possibility of her being exposed worries me every day. I want desperately to get back to a normal schedule, to a calmer mental space, to the way things were. But I’m just not there yet, because the world isn’t there yet.
I understand that neverending isolation is not sustainable. I’m glad that, at least where I live, things are reopening in stages and most people are trying to be careful. I’m extremely proud of how well my church stuck to our safety guidelines this weekend. That’s commendable, to be sure. But I worry that once we get a taste of normalcy, our desire for it might take over, and we might let our emotions get the best of us.
We all want to get back to normal, but we cannot rush it. Slowly but surely, progress is being made. But any misstep could be disastrous and send us back to the starting point. There’s a light at the end of this dreadful tunnel, and we’re starting to get a glimpse of it. But we have to be patient as we move towards it, lest we find it to be a train headed our way.
Please, let’s continue to be careful. And let’s be graceful with ourselves when we find that we’re still grappling with the emotional turmoil this pandemic has caused. It’s not over, so we can’t put too much pressure on ourselves to simply get over it.
Let’s see each other through this, friends. I’m here if you need anything. I’ll try to be back next week with something for you if I’m able; if not, I hope you’ll understand.
Is it possible to know that you’re going through a traumatic event while it’s still happening to you?
That question may seem morbid or overdramatic, but I think it’s where a lot of us are right now. This pandemic is affecting us in ways we won’t understand for years to come. And for me, anyway, it’s been very difficult to navigate.
I know I haven’t written anything on here in a while, and I apologize for that. Because I work in church media, my workload has increased dramatically since this whole thing started. I’ve learned a lot about livestreaming over the past several weeks. Between that and the stress of living through a pandemic, I haven’t had the mental energy for much else, and writing got put on the back burner.
That’s part of the story, at least. I think the other part is that I’ve been afraid to write lately because I knew it would force me to face the things I’ve been feeling throughout this pandemic. I wasn’t ready for that. Now, I feel like I might be. Might.
Many are trying to put a positive spin on this ordeal, calling it an opportunity to pause, a chance to learn a new skill, or a perfect time for creative expression. While I appreciate the optimism and recognize that those things may be true for some people, for others of us, there is no silver lining to this situation. It’s just hard. It’s scary. And yes, it’s traumatic.
One of the things I’ve thought about a lot lately is how we’ll look back on this period in our lives. Many things we experience might be considered “historic,” but few have such a universal impact that we could truly call them a worldwide collective experience. This is something that all of us will remember for the rest of our lives.
But how will we remember it? How will we tell our children about it? How will we write about it in our history books?
I imagine it’ll be different for everyone. For some, it may not be all that notable—a minor annoyance and nothing more. For others, it’ll be the worst thing they ever experienced—losing a dear loved one, being let go from a dream job, going through a health battle of their own. Thankfully, my experience hasn’t been quite that difficult, but it hasn’t been a breeze, either.
I miss my family. Katherine and I make a point to get around and see everyone on a regular basis, and that has been much harder lately. We’ve tried to safely connect with our loved ones as much as we can, but it isn’t the same, and we’ve missed some big days. Sitting at home on Easter while our brothers and nephews hunted eggs without us hurt pretty deep, and it hasn’t gotten easier since.
I’m scared, not so much for myself, but for those around me. I’ve had to be out of the house for work much more than I’m comfortable with, and I worry every day that I’m going to bring home a deadly virus and infect the ones I love. Is that likely? Probably not. I am trying to be careful, after all. But it’s still a possibility, and I can’t pretend it doesn’t keep me up at night.
I worry for my friends and family who are most susceptible to this virus. For most of us, getting it wouldn’t be any big deal. But for some, it would mean a life-or-death battle with no sure outcome. That’s why we need to take precautions. No matter how careful we are, though, there’s still always a chance, and that makes me anxious.
I’m frustrated by those who aren’t taking this as seriously as they should. The lack of willingness on some people’s part to forego convenience in order to save lives is baffling and heartbreaking to me. We can’t be that selfish; we should be doing better. And the rush to “get back to normal” when we’re nowhere near prepared for reopening angers me to my core.
If this pandemic isn’t negatively affecting you personally, that’s great. I’m glad for you. But that is not the case for everyone. Please consider the many people for whom this is an actual life-or-death situation, whose lives could be destroyed by it if we don’t take it seriously enough. You’ll probably be fine, but what about them?
Truth be told, I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m healthy. No one I know has died from the virus or lost their job because of it. Katherine had to be out of work for several weeks, but we weren’t affected financially. My only real struggle has been the emotional turmoil, and that’s nothing compared to what others are going through. I’m so thankful for the many ways I’ve been sheltered from the effects of this horrible disease.
But that doesn’t mean this isn’t hard. People are dying. People are losing their jobs and homes. Lives are being destroyed left and right, right before our eyes. And I can’t be unaffected by that. It’s weighing on me in ways that I can’t even fully process right now, not even by writing it all out. That’s just where I’m at.
If you’re suffering right now, please know that I am so sorry. I’m thinking of you, praying for you, and I’m here if you’d like to talk.
If you, like me, aren’t suffering directly but can’t shake a feeling of general uneasiness in the pit of your stomach, you are not alone. This is a truly traumatic event, and you have every right to feel what you feel.
I keep hearing people say, “We will get through this,” as a way of comforting each other. I guess that’s true for the most part. Most of us will get through this. Some of us won’t, though. And those of us who do get through it won’t be same; many will be significantly worse off. So I’m not sure that the phrase is really the most helpful.
Maybe it should be something more like, “Let’s see each other through this.” Because we can get through it with minimal (yet still significant) loss, but only if we work together. Only if we sacrifice some of our comforts in exchange for the lives of others. Only if we put our own preferences aside and focus on the greater good. If we’ll do that, then yes, we will (mostly) get through this. But only if we do it together.
So let’s see each other through this thing. Stay home as much as you possibly can. Be there for each other (but not physically). Affirm the experiences of those around you and take them into account. The suffering out there is real, and we can’t just ignore it or make it worse through our indifference. We have to rise to this occasion lest we fall to it.
I know this post is a bummer, and I’m sorry about that. As you can tell, I’m not exactly in a positive place right now. Rather than leaving you on this note, I’m going to let Past Devon wrap us up with some words I wrote a month ago, when the gravity of this whole thing hadn’t been weighing on me for quite so long:
To be truthful, I am still very much hopeful for future, but I also think it’s important to recognize the difficulties people are facing right now. They are real, and they have real consequences. And those real-world effects are breaking my heart today.
I’m thankful for each of you reading this. If you feel like you need to reach out to someone, please know that I’m available. I’ll talk to you soon.
Be safe out there, friends.
