Every time I try to type the word Mow into my phone, it autocorrects and changes it to Now. I appreciate Autocorrect when I am in a hurry and it corrects my misspellings, but I feel there are some things it shouldn’t try to change, then again it is only being told what to do by those who programmed it. How about you…who is telling you what to do? Who or what dictates your course of action through the day. If you have an employer, you likely have a certain job description that guides you into the majority of your work. If you are self-employed, you still likely have projects to work on and it is in your best interest to finish them sooner than later. What about all the other things, like mowing the yard, getting your oil changed, exercising, going on a date with your wife, spending time with your kids, etc…how do those things get done? Do you wait for opportunities to just happen, or do you schedule them in also? What if it is not raining and you need to mow now, does something else get the boot?
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Proverbs 27:1
Today, I had some time off work, and had a nice sized list of things I wanted to accomplish. Mowing the yard became a priority as we had a slight break from the rain and the yard was looking a little gnarly. This seems to be the theme on an almost daily basis, as urgent things take over. What is most important to get done today? Another term I have heard used is the ‘Tyranny of the Urgent.’ It is almost as if you are being yelled at by whatever things you are tasked with that seem the loudest. This was due yesterday, get it done! Its not always the most important things, as those often take a back seat to the most demanding things. Sometimes you have an opportunity to participate in something that rarely happens, and I am a sucker for trying to make those one-time meetings and experiences happen, again often at the expense of other things that need getting done. How do you juggle it all, and still do well? Practice I guess, or saying ‘no’ to things that should not take priority in your life. How do you prioritize what is most important in your life?
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
It is easy to do what is easy in life, but takes greater effort and discipline to do what is right. Just take a look at what Jesus did in his short ministry. He related to those he came in contact with in a personal way and addressed the heart issues they were struggling with, whether a blind beggar, Pharisee, outcast woman, tax collector, or anyone. He knew what each person needed most, and what we all needed most. I especially like the story in Matthew 9 where a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus (expecting Jesus to heal him), and instead He forgives his sins. And to confirm to others that he can forgive sins, physically heals the man as well. We all go to God with our wants and needs, and often our greater needs are not those physical things that we think will make us complete, but healing on a deeper level than we are often willing to admit. Brothers, we are all broken to varying degrees, whether physically, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, or a little of everything. When we can admit that, we are more open to being restored by our Savior, and being used by him to help others. This is something that I need to realize on a daily basis.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
So, take some time to inventory all that you can do, have to do, and should do today and what part that may play in your own salvation or the salvation and growth of others. Are you addressing needs at home as well as work? Where are some areas you are lacking and require help to get done what is needed? May you turn to your Heavenly Father for direction whether you are walking the right path or not. May each day be blessed as you seek to honor Him in all you do this day, and each day of your life.
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him. Psalm 37:23
Yours in Christ,
Clark
