Remember that movie, City Slickers? The pivotal point in the story came when the crusty old cowboy held up one finger and said, "There's only one thing that's really important." When the disillusioned city boy excitedly asked what that one thing was, the old cowboy merely said, "That's what you have to figure out."
I admit I'm still figuring it out. Day by day, sometimes minute by minute, I have to decide what's important, what my focus should be, what I should be concentrating on. There are so many things that compete for my attention, many of them good things; but if I haven't decided what's truly important I will be pulled in every direction, unable to choose what things should command my time and focus.
Obviously, as a Jesus-follower, glorifying Him should be my One Thing, the over-riding principle that guides me. But in every area of my life there is a One Thing, an important concept, a way of doing things that can greatly simplify my life.
Living simply is a very attractive concept to me. It encompasses not just my possessions, but my commitments, my time, my relationships, and my priorities. In each part of my life, I want to simplify down to the One Thing that's most important.
I know I can't be the only person who wants to start fresh in 2015, who wants to minimize stress by deciding what's crucial. "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert" (Isaiah 43:19, NIV). Oh, how I look forward to those refreshing streams as He does a new work in me!
Lord Jesus, show me the things that are most important. Help me to focus my energy on what glorifies you.
Amen.
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