The Best Best

The more I study about people's lives prior to this last century, the more I believe we are WAY too busy. We desperately need to remember that just because we can doesn't mean we should. 


Our priorities seem focused on "the best possible thing" at all times: The best organization to support. The best sporting event, college choice, T.V. show, electronic gadget, route to the best restaurant, and web site for what we need/want right then. The best teacher for our children, church for us, Bible study to inspire us, Bible translation, way to clean our house, Pandora station for our mood, and the best meal for our family that factors in the amount of time we have to make it vs. nutritional value. 
The best use of our time.


What I've slowly begun to realize is that the best use of my time is not by filling it with the best "stuff". What is best, is relationship. Find the best movie you and you child can have a great discussion over. Visit the coffee house with the best area to have a comfortable conversation with your friend- even if you hate coffee. Find the best route to somewhere that allows you more time to talk with your family in the vehicle. Frequent the restaurant or other establishment where you have the best dialog with those who work there. Attend a Bible study you've already done to enjoy the sweet fellowship with those in your group as you encourage them. Join the church where you see a need that you most want filled- You just may be the best one for the job....


Striving for the best is not wrong. Just make sure it's the best best. The next time you are tempted into "keeping up with the Joneses", try instead to keep up with the Johns...

Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away,  but the one who does God's will remains forever.....

....what we have seen and heard
    we also declare to you,
    so that you may have fellowship along with us;
    and indeed our fellowship is with the Father
    and with His Son Jesus Christ.
    We are writing these things
    so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 2:15-17, 1:3-4    
*Emphasis mine