Striving First

On most days it is hard to leave the office. It seems like every time I stand and attempt to go home something pulls me back. A phone call, e-mail, or someone stopping by give me reasons not to leave. There is also "unfinished" business, you know those items that you really need to get done. In the end the day only has 24 hours and there is little you can do. At some point, no matter what's completed or not, you have to go home.

Before I leave I like to make a prioritized "to do" list. Here I try to think of what's most important and make sure that I take care of it first thing in the morning. Making the list is an exercise in letting go. It makes me feel better to know that once I go home I can concentrate on what's there and not on what I left behind. The list is on my desk, tomorrow I'll know where to begin.

Priorities take intentionality. Whether it is family, work, or play it does not happen automatically. We have to make sure that we balance our lives. If we do not we end up spending too much time on things that we should not and too little on things that we should.

Jesus was trying to help us prioritize. In Matthew 6:25-33 he was trying to remind us that many of us spend too much time on things that do not matter. We need to trust and know that God will take care of it. Whatever the "it" is. We need to concentrate on God's kingdom, on the things of God. Once we have place this as our top priority all other things seem to fall into place. Like an important piece of a puzzle it makes everything else clearer. This is like the "to do" list before I leave my office. It helps me remember that none of those things are more important than my relationships. Striving first for the things of God helps us let go and acknowledge our frailty, especially in our time management.

This coming week is thanksgiving. We gather with family and friends to give thanks. My prayer is that you do not let anything get you distracted: turkey, football, the parade. These are good things but more important is acknowledging the giver of all the blessings of life.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Make church attendance and Sunday School a part of your life this holiday season. May this be a new beginning for you and those you love.

Peace, Juan