Purpose Driven

Short blog this week, which might be preferred (by you and me).

I’m sure Rick Warren has rights, copyrights, license agreements, and other legal ties to the phrase “Purpose-Driven Life.”  That’s not what this is about, so I’m not worried about the legal and subsequent financial ramifications of today’s title.

What I am worried about is my own shortcomings when it comes to time not well spent.  Maybe you’re better at this than I am, but I can look up at the end of a day (or week) and think about what I could have done to fill some of the space.

For those of you without children, let me assure you that they commandeer much of the space without your consent.  From the time they hit daylight it is a constant quest for attention, help,  and support (not implying it’s negative. . it just is there).

Diapers and feedings become chasing them away from swimming pools, traffic, and the electrical outlets armed with forks.  

T-ball games and bad dreams morph into real baseball games and homework.

Driving lessons and relationships. . . . . well, you get the picture.  (At least I haven’t dealt with mine stealing the car to travel over 1,000 miles to visit an online girlfriend.)

 

But, when I’m not reading vocabulary lists, throwing batting practice, driving someone to a workout or event, or just listening – there’s a wasted space of watching and scrolling that I almost always lament.

I have hundreds of channels on our TV package – of which I use about 4 (the girls use 2 – Hallmark and Hallmark), yet I’ll catch myself watching another Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or Mountain Men.

The worst will be scrolling through social media outlets – looking at everything you lunatics have put out there.  Everything from boycotting another business (mad about someone kneeling – but where is your noise on human trafficking or lack of fresh water in third world countries?) to worshipping your kids (post a picture of your spouse every once in a while – kids are a season, marriage is for life – or should be; side note – how about not posting at all for a week. . . or 52?) to rage against whatever minor injustice happened this week (it’s OK if the new policy at the convenience store says you have to make a purchase to use the restroom – it’s their store!).

I think I just look to keep a running list of who I don’t want to be trapped in a mine shaft with.

 

So, this week my goal is to use my time more productively.  Not just have everything at work done on time productively.  But, build a better me productive.  Replace scrolling with reading (If I’m gonna make my 24-books-in-a-year goal I set in January, the pace needs picking up).  Replace TV with writing (a book, a blog . . . ).

Yes, I want to be a great dad.

Yes, I want to be the best husband for Jaclyn.

But, I want to be the best Greg that God has created me to be – for whatever purpose He has intended.  So, my thoughts, my energy, my attitude all have to reflect my desire to this end.

 

And to run this race with PURPOSE!

 

 

Therefore, I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air.
– 1 Corinthians 9:26

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
– Proverbs 19:21