Hit the Ground Running

We will never do all the things we would like to do.  It may sound pessimistic but actually it’s realistic.  Many goals and dreams compete for our attention like a hundred people trying to get the last three U2 concert tickets.  There are not enough to go around that’s what life is like sometimes!  Your potential do list is like having a dozen plugs and one outlet.  What am I saying?  I’m saying that something in life will be left unplugged!  Something is getting skipped.  The question is, what will it be?  Will you pass over the exercise you desperately need?  Will you skip the prayer that you absolutely require?  Will you ignore the children who want some time?  Will the book you want to read stay on the shelf?  These are the hard questions that we must answer. 

The good news is that if we make priorities and plan our time well, we can get to the important things every day! 

It’s a blessing to have a lot to do because we’re never ever bored.  There is always something to read, something to write, something to organize, something to fix, something to accomplish.  I have projects for winter and projects for summer and some have been on the list for far too long.  However, they’re never coming off the list unless I make a plan!  If it’s an important use of my time then I have to make the time to get it done.  We can talk priorities all we want but priorities without a set plan are nearly meaningless.

If you want to exercise you must make the time.  If you are going to pursue God like we should,  you need to make the time.  If you want to have devotions with your family and pray together, you’re going to have to plan to do it and when to do it.  Talking is easy but it’s the plan that makes the difference. 

Start the week and the day strong.  Hit the ground running, knowing exactly what you’ll need to accomplish to get the priorities done.  If you’ll do this, you’ll accomplish much more with your life! 

Remember that Jesus was busy too but He still made time for His heavenly Father and He accomplished the important things!

Life’s Intersections

There are times when we are re-acquainted with people through times of grief.  How often have you heard, “I’m glad to see you but I wish it were under different circumstances”?   

Recently, I was invited to do the funeral of a man whom I have known for many years.  His one son used to attend our church before passing away at the age of thirty and his daughter was involved in the ministry at EBC.  Time escaped and the years rolled along but occasionally our paths would intersect and we would catch up.    

Last week I had the chance to re-connect with this sweet family through helping with the funeral service.  While I so very much wish it were under different circumstances, I have to admit that it was good to see them. 

Why was I called upon?  It was because fourteen years ago I walked a few miles of difficult road with them.  I also was able to walk some miles of good road complete with blue skies and happy times.  There was a friendship that never died despite the passing years because we had shared life together.    

I say that to remind us of the importance of times when our lives intersect with people God has placed beside us on the road of life.  These acquaintances, relationships, and friendships can be very significant so value them!  Remember that we may be leaving some of ourselves behind with those we encounter on the journey and may just leave a mark that lasts until our dying days and beyond.