How's That Working For Ya?

So I came across a cool saying this week:  "I do not fail.  I succeed in finding out what does not work."

Let me just say I have been very successful lately.

Admittedly, I have let some things have priority in my life that do not deserve priority status.  Not that they aren't important things.......  I just need to place the MOST IMPORTANT back in His place.  Because quite honestly, when I'm not focused on God, life just doesn't work.

Why doesn't that sink in?

There are so many alluring things this world has to offer.  They look all sexy and delicious and FUN!  And to a degree - they ARE.  However, after a few rounds, the sexy wears off, the initial deliciousness has a bad aftertaste and the fun just fades away.  Then what's left?

A few tears maybe.

There are also things not so alluring that get in our way.  Our "responsibilities" consume our time.  I put that in quotes because they are often not so necessary.  We let them overcome us and rule over our schedules.  Job, housework, exercise, kids tend to have first place in our agendas and that's reasonable.  But just because something is reasonable, does not make it right.  All of those things can have too much emphasis - and they have for me lately (well, not the housework part).  I look back on my week and ask.....what's left?

A few moments of insanity?

I will also even venture to say that church can get in the way.  We get so wrapped up in the routine and the ritualism of it that we sometimes miss the point.  We attend, we serve, we contribute.  We do all the churchy things that we think we are supposed to do - but we forget to look at our hearts and the intent behind it all.... and mutter to ourselves - what's left?

Times of confusion, lack of vision, apathy.

All of it leads down a path that just isn't working for me.  I'm overwhelmed emotionally, underwhelmed intellectually and overstimulated socially.  Why?  There's only one reason I can think of......  I haven't had my daily dose of wisdom.  I've let my diet of scripture be replaced with internet trash.  I've been talking more to people than to God.  I've been listening to my own will more than the Holy Spirit.

Knowing how to fix it is only half the battle however.  Time to start over yet again - good thing my slate is erasable :)

Steep your life in God reality, God initiative, God provisions.  Don't worry about missing out. You'll find your every day human concerns will be met.  ~Matthew 6:33 (The Message)