What we value vs. what we do:

a verse or two

“For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.” James 1:11

Spiritual Walk and Musings: What we value vs. what we do:

With yet another massive earthquake, once again the images cause sober thought and reflection on what our priorities are in life. One of the spiritual disciplines of Lent is to ponder our mortality – from dust we were formed and to dust we will return. Here is a little exercise.

Imagine we are told that a meteor was going to hit NZ and that a percentage of us are “all doomed, Captain Mannering”. Part of the shock of facing our mortality would cause us to evaluate what is most important to us. So, as a spiritual exercise, why not spend time in honest reflection pondering the things you currently do, day in and day out and ponder their value in the light of our mortality. That “to dust we will return”.

First think about what things you value the most. What is valuable to you? If you were on a deserted island – what would you want to have with you? Write these values down.

Next ponder the things you are currently putting energy into, the things that take up your time – write them down.

Now cross reference what you value most in life and what you spend your time on. I know for me there are some things I do, that in the scheme of things are not as valuable as the amount of time and energy I put into them.

To Ponder and Pray: Wise with our time. 

Dear Lord, help us to be wise with our time, 
help us to put you – our relationship with you – on top of the list.
And help us to put time into those whom we love;
     help us to pray for them; 
     help us to care for them; 
     help us to love them. Amen.