In this issue:

Figuring out what really matters can be an emotional process. Learn how to sort through priorities and get perspective, challenge yourself to eliminate unnecessary possessions, and learn about not settling for more – yes, you read that right.

 

 

Podcast

Inspired Life: What Really Matters

In a previous issue, I mentioned that I was going to talk about how to determine your priorities. I once experienced this in a very visual way and I have modified that activity for you to try.

This is going to be tough, but stay with me, because it has the potential to be meaningful.

We often think we have to have it all when it comes to activities and friendships and hobbies. We might think we really want something – like a new gadget or a big purchase. But if we had to lay it all on the line and figure out what matters, it might not be as important as we think.

Sort It Out

Grab six pieces of paper. It can be scratch paper if you wish, but just 6 things to write on. I want you to make the following notes, one on each paper. 

* Write “God and my relationship with Jesus.” I will explain this in a bit.

* Write the names of your children (if you don't have children, write down the name/names of someone who is important to you.

* Write the name of someone who really matters to you. Someone you love deeply. This might be a significant other, but it's up to you and your circumstances.

* Write down a hobby or activity that you really enjoy.

* Write down an activity that you do that takes a lot of your energy.  It might be good or bad.

* Write down something you would buy for yourself if you had an unlimited supply of money.

Imagine that you become terribly sick and the doctor tells you it's serious. You're going to have to give up something for the sake of your health.

Choose one of your papers and crumple it up.

It’s a few weeks later and you can't carry out your normal activities. You realize you must give up something else.

Choose another paper and crumple it up.

Several weeks later, you haven't improved. The doctor isn't sure about your prognosis, but it doesn't look good. You have so much on your to-do list, but you can’t do a thing. But still, you're faced with a choice. You must give up something else from the things that are dear to you.

Choose another paper and crumple it up.

Taking Stock of Priorities

I want you to look at what you have left. Imagine what it would be like if I went through all of those papers. I won't, but when I experienced this activity, I had to get it down to one thing. It was emotional for me.

You might wonder why I had you write God on one of the papers. For some people, God and Jesus really are not part of everyday life, and it’s easy to remove that from the priorities. For others, they believe that God is important, but when faced with a choice, they realize they aren’t sure they can let go of everything else and trust in only him if they get down to the last thing. Sometimes this is an opportunity to ask yourself if you want faith to be a more important part of your life. Would God offer you hope when life got difficult?

 I’m guessing that in the end, you were left if papers that had people on them. What if we really lived as if those things were important?

Spark Change

This is an opportunity for you to consider if you  life reflects what really matters.