Today I took a step back to readjust my perspective, refocus my priorities, and  recalibrate my values.

We live in an age of distractions as multiple media outlets flood the digital ethos for our attention.  Facebook rants politicize seemingly every issue. The meaning of words continue to be distorted, and sexual identities are growing so fast that we may run out of letters in the alphabet to describe them.  It is a time of chaos and confusion.

In the meantime, I am searching for the best pesticide to kill Japanese beetles, the right color to paint a bedroom, and the latest gimmick to improve my golf game.

Why my sudden pause to stop and inhale a dose of reality?

You see, I just heard that a friend has died after a four-year battle with brain cancer.  A niece is struggling to deal with the growing dementia of her father (my brother-in-law).  And another friend is battling drug addiction.  

It happens every day, right?  Yes, but as these particular happenings are occurring close to home, I realize how easy it is to be consumed by divisive politics or obsessed with one’s personal desires and interests. 

Ephesians 5:15-17 reminds us to:  “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

By now, you may think I have gone from preaching to meddling.  Not really.  This is more of a personal reflection I decided to share with you.  I wrote this one for myself.  

I pray that I can find a way to “make the most of every opportunity.”  

And, nowadays, there are plenty of opportunities.