I stopped watching Oprah a few years ago. One, we got rid of TV. All we have now is Blueray. But even before we cut the mind sucking entertainment tentacles from our souls, I stopped watching Oprah.
One, she was preaching a different gospel. Why would I spend an hour of my day with someone leading millions astray from the truth claiming Jesus the Christ wasn’t the only way.
Two, Oprah talked a lot about her dreams and becoming someone when she thought she was no one. So why was I giving her an hour of my time and thought and heart instead of giving it to my dreams, my goals, my friends and family?
Granted, I can find all kinds of ways to waste my time. Even tell myself it’s needed for my career, social media and all that, but really, how much does it gain me?
I went to a young man’s funeral yesterday. He died too young, but in many ways, it was God’s mercy. Staying off drugs and out of trouble was not easy for him. But he righted his life and died in the arms of Jesus.
While his life was over, I felt for the young ones mourning him. “Don’t let your life be wasted. Make it count.” Change what has to be changed.
But change isn’t easy is it? We often can’t see our failures and weaknesses, or pull ourselves out of the hole we stand in. I’ve got plenty of blind spots.
But what we do with our time does count. We can “take it with us.” We will give an account to the Lord for our time. Take stock, what are you spending your time on? I was thinking last night I had nothing to do so I goofed around on my iPad a bit, looking up apps. But you know, I couldn’t spent an extra hour in prayer. Not that iPad play is wrong, but I could’ve done both.
I’ve not nailed all of my disciplines. I struggle, but I want to do the best I can with the time I have on this life, in this internship God has granted me before I pass into eternity.
I don’t want to be like Jacob in Genesis 28:16, “Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it.” Next Jacob was afraid and “How awesome is this place!”
I want to be expectant of the Lord. To be awake. To be aware. To keep my heart in a place of humility. “Down heart, down.” To say, “I see the Lord is in this place.”
Are you asleep? Will you awake to realize God was there and you missed it? What things can you cut out of your life that are keeping you from your dreams and goals, from the very things God has called you to do and be?