Tag Archives: re-evaluating priorites

Why Am I Watching This?

If I asked you the question, what are the first ten things you do when you get up, you may be caught off guard, only be able to recall a few things.  Yet, each morning people shave, shower, turn on the weather, read a blog or newspaper, check emails and charge their phone without much thought.  However, routines can become so ingrained within human beings that occasionally you have to stop yourself to ponder, “why am I doing this?”

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.

Since changing my work schedule from days to night two years ago, my sleeping patterns have been sporadic.  Sometimes I’ll find something on television that promotes sleep.  Unfortunately, good movies like a classic will peek my interest, causing to invest several hours viewing instead of sleeping.  Thus, in 2016 I have made a concerted effort reign in my daily routine.  Yet, early on I found myself picking up the clicker to check one of my favorite channels before I heard my conscience say, “why am I watching this?”

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, 2 Peter 3:8.

Free will is a powerful weapon, often applied in misguided ways.  Nonetheless, God doesn’t force us to pray, go to church or read the Bible.  Therefore, if you want to break away from bad habits of the past, its not an easy venture.  However, the more I unplug from television and talk radio, the clearer my thoughts become.  While I’m not perfect and still have a long way to go, maybe you too may want to revisit your own daily schedule.  May the Holy Spirit guide you along the way, Galatians 5:25 as you replace the meaningless with power spiritual disciplines.

by Jay Mankus

When the World Around You Begins to Fall Apart

Seven years ago, I felt like I was on top of the world.  My family and I spent a month traveling around the country, with the Grand Canyon as the main attraction.  A year later, we had enough money to put an addition on our house, giving each of our 3 children the privacy of their own room.  With the summers off as a teacher, a good paying hard-scaping job provided the extra funds to buy accessories for this new project.  However, as I cut my grass today, I realized that I have slowly allowed the world around me to fall apart.

By foregoing a few upgrades on our addition, there is now a water fall directly under the front door during each rain storm.  This lack of foresight has led to a now rotted door frame which needs to be replaced.  Recognizing I didn’t have the financial resources to maintain my yard properly in the spring, I waited to see what would happen without applying fertilizer, lime or weed and feed.  The consequence has been a yard of clovers, weeds and vegetation more suitable for a jungle than a neighborhood.  The appearance of the exterior of my home highlights that lack of care, concern and priority I possess for having a green thumb.

When you don’t set aside time for things or make it a priority, decay often follows.  When neglect turns to denial, people’s lives can  fall apart.  On the other hand, you don’t want to waste your life trying to pretend to be happy on the outside, yet when the camera is off, you’re a wreck.  Thus, balance is crucial, Philippians 2:4, taking care of your own needs before you can be of any help to others.  Honestly, I don’t know if my yard can be saved, but for those around me, hurting or in need of encouragement, that is where I need to invest my time for now.  Take part in this spiritual harvest, Matthew 9:37-38.

by Jay Mankus